Council wants to use more local businesses (From News Shopper)

Bexley Council wants to use more local businesses for its services

4:06pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Business News By Jim Palmer

BEXLEY Council has pledged to shop local to help businesses in the borough.

Council staff have been encouraged to let local firms quote for work, services and goods up to £35,000.

Council leader councillor Teresa O’Neill said: “We want to invest in the local economy as much as possible, doing everything we can to help create business opportunities and more jobs."

Cllr O’Neill added it was still important to recognise the need to get best value for money.

The council said it already uses a ‘wide range’ of local services from printers to building maintenance contractors, while hundreds more are likely to be able to provide goods and services to the council.

Go to Bexley.gov.uk/procurement for more information or register your business at bexleyontheweb.com/businesses.

The council said the approach is consistent with local, national and European rules and that Bexley businesses could tender for work above £35,000 although different rules apply.