Plymouth triples spend with local suppliers

Spend with local suppliers by Plymouth City Council has almost tripled over the past three years.

This is thanks to the Council’s pledge to keep more of Plymouth’s wealth in our city, which means that more than half of our spend is with local suppliers. This was one of the Council’s 50 pledges to local people.

New figures show that the Council has increased local spend from 16% in 2011/12 of total spend, to 45% of total spend in 2013/14. This year the Council is achieving a 52% local spend.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance for Plymouth City Council, said: “Over the last 3 years there has been a significant drive to increase the amount of local purchasing the Council does and we are committed to keeping more of Plymouth’s wealth in our city.

“This has been achieved by reviewing way we procure goods and services to ensure that suppliers are sourced locally where possible via a Request For Quotation process and by increasing engagement with local suppliers at ‘Going Local’ events.  

“With the adopted approach, we have seen a significant increase in spend with local suppliers, which means £56m being spent in the local economy.”

Examples of contracts awarded this financial year to local suppliers include:

• Ryearch - Plymouth Based Construction Company - Recently awarded the Broadley Park RFQ, Separation of Council House and Stoke Damerel Basic Need Phase 2
• Bryant & Co Window Cleaners - Awarded Council’s window cleaning contract
• Glendale Countryside Ltd & Richard Prowse Arborists - Arboricultural Work Contract for the Council
• Target Travel - Provision of Local Bus Service in Plymouth (52 - Plympton to Derriford Hospital)
• Frank Bundy Electrical Engineers - Leachate Electrical & Mechanical Repair and Maintenance contract