Local businesses across Inverclyde receive £19.5m from the council through contracts and tenders for local services.

The figures were revealed at Inverclyde Council's policy and resources committee where councillors discussed how more local businesses could access council work.

Inverclyde Council Leader Councillor Stephen McCabe, said: "As a local council and large organisation we have a duty to get the best deal we can for the money we spend. But, we need to get the balance right between our best value obligations and investing money in the local economy, especially these days. We'd like to see more businesses come forward and be able to apply for council contracts.”

-- Advertisement --

The report highlighted that social care amounts for the largest spend with local businesses, with the construction and trades sector receiving £2m from council contracts.

Now the council is encouraging local businesses to get more involved with the supplier development programme which Inverclyde Council is a member. The programme is a partnership of 23 Scottish councils working together to encourage and train more local businesses to bid for council contracts and tenders.

38 local suppliers have so far registered with Supplier Development Scotland and one business which has benefited from training on completing tenders , has gone on to win business from other Scottish councils as well as Inverclyde Council.

Councillor McCabe said: "I'd encourage any local business to get themselves ‘tender ready’ through the supplier development programme. It's designed to help businesses be more confident in bidding for council work whether it is with ourselves any of our colleagues in other Scottish councils."

(CD)