Stockport pledges to do more with SMEs

STOCKPORT Council has signed up to the National Concordat for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to allow more companies to do business with the council.

The Concordat is a voluntary, non-statutory code of practice that sets out what small firms supplying the Council can expect when tendering for contracts and defines standards that council buyers should expect from suppliers.

The Concordat and accompanying Good Practice Guide represent a commitment from local government organisations to encourage and develop better relations with smaller firms. It hopes that this will in turn help to increase value for money and foster innovation.

Stockport Council Leader Cllr Dave Goddard, said: “Stockport Council is committed to supporting SME’s and providing the right environment for them to thrive. By signing the National Concordat, we are showing that the Council is open for business and committed to giving smaller local companies a boost.”

The council said that it has worked with many local firms such as Bredbury-based stationery supplier Egan Reid, for many years.

Managing director Martin Reid said: “Working with Stockport Council has enabled our business to grow. Dealing with the council for over ten years has benefited the company in many ways, improving the company’s profile in the area, developing greater purchasing power and most importantly securing jobs for local people.”

The council will also be holding a Meet the Buyer event in March 2011 in the Town Hall, as part of its Stockport Boost initiative.