Treasure Chest of Procurement Opportunities

Copeland Council is opening up its contracts to more companies and saving money, thanks to its use of a new online system.

The authority now offers its contract opportunities on the online North West procurement website – known as the Chest. This means that more companies will find out about work coming up at Copeland Council, leading to more competitive tendering.

The process is said to also provide a boost to local companies who register on the system, as they are automatically informed about any work coming up in the whole of the North West that may fit their business. It is also completely free for companies to register.

Councillor John Bowman, portfolio holder for procurement said, “We have a duty to get value for money for our Council Tax payers, and this is one of the ways we can do this, as using the Chest ensures that we are getting as much interest in work as possible, and we are also saving money on advertising and time in the procurement process.”

Use of the Chest really is simple, and I would encourage as many businesses as possible in Copeland to register themselves on the Chest, so that they are contacted about potential work automatically – not just in Copeland, but further afield as well.”

The Chest is an online procurement website. Companies can register for free on the system by visiting, www.thechest.nwce.gov.uk/

Copeland Council has a dedicated procurement team who aim to ensure that all of the goods and services that the authority needs are procured in the most efficient manner, to ensure they are fit for purpose and provide value for money. The team has recently met with businesses at Cumbria Chamber of Trade meetings, to make them aware of the Chest and how to access the potential work opportunities it provides.