Ashfield District Council has approved a new procurement strategy which focuses on supporting local businesses.

The new strategy, which was approved at last week's Cabinet meeting, outlines the Council's shop local approach to procurement and how high quality, value for money, public services are secured. The strategy places importance on sustainable procurement to benefit small and medium sized enterprises in Hucknall and across the district. 

As part of the Council's commitment to championing independent businesses, the local supplier portal was launched in April. The portal allows businesses in Ashfield to enter their details which can then be accessed by Council staff when procuring for goods and services up to £5000. 

Councillor David Martin, Executive Lead Member for Finance said: "We are committed to providing excellent public services which are the best value for money. Our new Procurement Strategy demonstrates that we are serious about ensuring that we can use the goods and services offered by local businesses to deliver on our ambitions. We are practicing what we preach by shopping local.

"Our new Local Supplier Portal means that we can actively support small businesses in the district. We urge every business in Ashfield to register their details on the portal, it's free and an easy way to make sure your business can be considered when we procure.

The Local Supplier Portal can be accessed on the Council's website by clicking here.