Nottinghamshire County Council has awarded more than 70% of its procurement contracts to local suppliers, injecting millions into the regional economy. In the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, 19 new contracts worth an estimated £113 million have been issued, with 113 more projects in progress.
Currently, 74% of the council’s contracts are awarded to Nottinghamshire-based suppliers, while 56% go to the county’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The council holds contracts with 604 local suppliers, collectively valued at over £3.6 billion.
Councillor Andre Camilleri, Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance and Resource, highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of working with local businesses, citing job creation, faster response times, reduced transport costs, and lower carbon emissions.
One business benefitting from the strategy is Nottinghamshire Fire Safety Ltd, a Mansfield-based company providing fire safety services under a three-year contract with the council’s partner, Arc Partnership. The company supplies and services fire extinguishers in council buildings, including schools, libraries, and care homes, and delivers fire safety training.
Managing Director Phil Kennell emphasised that the contract has strengthened the company’s relationship with the council, allowing it to keep work local and reduce travel-related costs. The firm recently installed fire safety equipment at Yeoman Park School in Mansfield and has upcoming projects at other new schools.
The council’s procurement strategy continues to prioritise local partnerships, aiming to drive economic resilience and sustainability while maximising the impact of public spending.
