Scotland Excel's Flexible Procurement Service is celebrating its fifth anniversary, having awarded its 135th contract and managed a total contract value of £39 million.

Launched in April 2020, the service has been involved in 200 projects for 26 Scottish organisations, including councils, housing associations, leisure trusts, and universities.

The service's embedded approach, which sees its team integrate with client organisations for both short and long-term procurement projects, has led to repeat business from several bodies. Crown Estate Scotland has utilised the service for 45 projects, while Dumfries and Galloway Council worked with the team on 18 projects between 2022 and 2024.

Councillor John Shaw, Convener of Scotland Excel, commented: "Congratulations to the Flexible Procurement Service on reaching their milestone fifth anniversary. They've certainly made a huge impact on the sector, having delivered such a vast range of procurement projects for organisations across the public and third sectors. Handling 200 projects within five years is hugely impressive and the fact that many organisations are returning customers is a testament to the service. The team's ability to step in at any point in the procurement cycle means councils, housing associations and other public and third sector organisations can ensure contracts are delivered on time and essential services are in place. This unique approach sees projects delivered efficiently and effectively in the client organisation's best interest through various procurement routes. It is wonderful news that the team has delivered 135 contracts on behalf of the sector, worth £39m."

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The Flexible Procurement Service collaborates with Scotland Excel's council and associate members, covering diverse procurement needs such as social care case management, legal services, outdoor event management, local plan and town investment consultancy, national IT systems and data platforms, as well as engineering, estates management, and construction works.

The team ensures alignment with each client's internal processes and legislative requirements by utilising their standing orders and templates. This approach maintains consistency and quality, facilitating easier replication of the procurement process for future exercises.

Dundee City Council has been a significant user of the service, collaborating on 61 projects since its inception. Julie Thompson, Corporate Procurement Manager at Dundee City Council, stated: "Scotland Excel's Flexible Procurement Team is exemplars of best practice, highest professional standards and procurement capability. They have supported Dundee City Council to deliver a multitude of procurements within a relatively short period of time. The service has been invaluable to the sustainability of service delivery."

Recent successes for the team include delivering two urgent direct awards from national frameworks and tendering for a Microsoft licencing agreement that achieved a 3% saving against the client's budget. Notably, 15 contracts have been awarded in the first three months of 2025 alone, indicating continued momentum for the service.