Argyll and Bute Council spent £71.8 million with local businesses in 2025–2026, accounting for 35% of its overall procurement outlay.

Just over a quarter of all contracts were awarded to local suppliers — five per cent above target and seven per cent higher than the previous year. This measure covers all contracts, whether or not a local company submitted a bid.

Where a local supplier did bid, 78% of those bids were successful. In addition, 96 local sub-contractors were engaged across 23 contracts, and eight contracts were awarded to local main contractors.

The Council has taken steps in recent years to encourage and support local SMEs and suppliers to access opportunities, simplifying tender documents so processes are proportionate and easier to navigate. Strategies and, where appropriate, dynamic purchasing systems are in place to help local firms access contracts.

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Where market conditions allow, SMEs and local suppliers are invited to bid for contracts valued under £50,000 for goods and services, and under £2 million for works.

The Council also runs a programme of supplier engagement and events across Argyll and Bute aligned to forthcoming opportunities, helping local small and medium-sized businesses realise their growth potential.

Councillor William Sinclair, Policy Lead for Planning and Regulatory Services, said: "Loving local is not just about shopping local. The Council also has a role to play in supporting local businesses through its procurement process. This will helps create jobs and promote economic growth – some of our key objectives.

"We are doing all we can to ensure opportunities are open to all our SMEs, Third Sector organisations and local businesses. I would encourage them to find out about doing business with the Council and where possible attend one of our events."

Scotland Loves Local is organised by Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP).