Moray Council to introduce more personalised support for local businesses
Moray Council is to withdraw its full membership from the Supplier Development Programme (SDP) for the financial year 2025/26 onwards and instead allocate that budget to provide personalised local support.
At a meeting of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee today (4 February 2025), councillors agreed that the £4,000 + VAT annual membership fee would be reinvested in bespoke, locally delivered procurement support. This will include one-to-one guidance and tailored workshops designed to help Moray businesses navigate the tendering process and win public sector contracts.
While the SDP has provided businesses with access to national procurement training, engagement levels with this offer in Moray have been relatively low. In 2023/24, only nine Moray businesses participated in SDP events, with a similar number engaging in 2024/25.
By focusing on direct, local support, Moray Council aims to better equip businesses with the knowledge and skills to compete for contracts, ensuring more economic benefits are retained within the region.
The council’s Business Gateway service will continue to provide procurement advice, alongside new workshops and training sessions developed in partnership with Moray Council’s own procurement team. Moray businesses will also have access to free online guidance through the Scottish Government’s Supplier Journey website
Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Service Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, said: "Supporting local businesses remains a priority for Moray Council. By redirecting our resources, we can provide hands-on, tailored support that meets the specific needs of Moray businesses. This approach aligns with our Community Wealth Building Strategy and ensures that more companies have the confidence and skills to bid successfully for contracts."
For more information on upcoming procurement support and workshops, businesses are encouraged to visit the Moray Council’s website or contact the Business Gateway team.