Charter encourages businesses to use local suppliers　

Some of Shropshire’s large private companies and public organisations have come together to support the new Shropshire Procurement Charter.

The Charter, developed by the Shropshire Business Board, aims to encourage county businesses to consider using local suppliers of goods and services.

The Charter has received support from Shropshire Council, and from companies across the county including McConnel Ltd; Kerry Ingredients; Pork Farms – Palethorpes; TG Group; Severnside Housing; Salop Leisure Ltd; Marches Care Ltd; Dyke Yaxley; E4environment; Oaklands Farm Eggs; NRG Direct Mail;
West Mercia Supplies.

Dr Geoffrey Davies OBE, Chair of the Shropshire Business Board, said:

“The Charter serves as a reminder to all private companies and public purchasing organisations that they have businesses on their doorstep who can meet their service needs in a timely and cost efficient manner. It also reminds our small businesses that larger Shropshire companies are open to do business with them.

“If Shropshire firms promote their business opportunities locally, they will unearth new, competitive suppliers and realise reduced costs in terms of travel time and expense on their requirements.”

Ann Johnson, Business Board member and the Chair of Shropshire Federation of Small Businesses, who has led the work to develop the Charter, said:

“There is a good deal of enthusiasm among larger Shropshire firms and public organisations for getting information on their goods and service requirements out to the local business community. These buyers have a clear understanding of the impact which their combined purchasing power can have within the local economy. The Board has been working to remove some of the barriers that have discouraged small companies from approaching larger local businesses and organisations. This has included reviewing purchasers’ procurement policies and developing a programme of ‘Meet the Buyer’ events and training for small businesses.”