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Themes and Principles

The London Borough of Bexley strives to support its local economy through its procurement exercises by maximising economic, social and environmental benefits from every pound that is spent. Supporting Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) can make a significant contribution to local economic growth.

Bexley will do more to remove barriers faced by SME’s and VCSE’s bidding for contracts, such as:

  • Including economic, environmental and social value criteria in tender evaluations
  • Improving access to procurement opportunities for SME’s and VCSE’s by hosting regular ‘Meet the Buyer’ events and ensuring that opportunities are advertised on suitable portals and in appropriate journals

The Council supports Central Government in demonstrating procurement leadership by:

  • Speaking clearly with a single cohesive voice helping to ensure Central Government policy takes into account the needs and differences of local government
  • Signalling commitment from the top in Bexley thus recognising the strategic importance of procurement
  • Treating procurement as part of a strategic commissioning cycle
  • Developing a more commercially focused procurement culture

To help rise to the challenge, Bexley also supports progress in the use of modern technology and practices in its procurement processes. Examples include:

  • Helping Bexley respond to financial pressures through commercialisation and income generation
  • Using outcome specifications and other methods to encourage supplier innovation to meet new challenges
  • Adopting e-procurement to increase efficiency and productivity and realise full benefits through the use of appropriate electronic solutions in procurement processes