Local businesses urged to bid for council contracts (From Essex County Standard)
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Local businesses urged to bid for council contracts
11:10am Thursday 6th September 2012 in News By Will Lodge
BUSINESSES in Colchester are encouraged to bid for council contracts under a new strategy.
As well as forcing Colchester Council to consider the local economic picture when awarding contracts, the council will also make bidding easier for small companies.
Small businesses and community groups can also be given parts of contracts, allowing them to take on aspects of a council service rather than all of it.
The new 'procurement strategy' was agreed at a council cabinet meeting last night.
Paul Smith, councillor responsible for business, said: "It sounds dry but this is something which can make a real difference to the businesses of Colchester.
"We already trialed this with Leisure World, and some local firms came up with great ideas such as working with local sub-contractors, and getting apprentices from the Colchester Institute involved."
Cleggeron says...
12:56pm Thu 6 Sep 12
I know I can supply my products for far less than the big boys - but because I can't spend the time to fill out endless forms, risk assessments and compliance documents the council tax payer suffers.