New LGA strategy will support SME construction firms

The Local Government Association’s (LGA) new construction procurement strategy sets the framework for improving public procurement for small and micro firms, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The Construction Category Strategy, which was launched earlier this month, is intended to support a more focused approach to what is a key spending area for local government and a major source of employment across the country. The LGA hopes the strategy will highlight new developments and ideas that can help to support improved procurement practices, collaboration and strategic co-ordination of the local government’s annual spending on construction.

After commissioning a report into procurement, the LGA launched its National Procurement Strategy (NPS) in 2014. Construction was selected as a priority category as part of work underpinning the NPS. It identifies what is needed under four themes: maximising savings, supporting local economies, modernisation and demonstrating leadership.

“Local government wants to build long-term partnerships with suppliers who we believe can help us deliver significant local growth, increased skills and jobs,” said Cllr Peter Fleming, Chairman of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board. “The strategy is the first step in addressing the need for a strong collaboration between industry and local government to make sure that local people have the skills required to deliver these projects. The strategy outlines a general ‘call to arms’ for local government so as to enable increased efficiencies through collaboration and partnering. Construction permeates virtually all other industries, is a major source of employment and is a foundation of a prosperous society.”

“With 41% of construction SMEs failing to win nine out of ten public sector contracts they bid for, the Local Government Association (LGA) focus on making procurement processes more SME-friendly is extremely welcome,” said Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB. “The new strategy, which is the first of its kind, is right to highlight how increasing the amount of construction work awarded to construction SMEs is key to maximising local economic growth. I urge all local authorities to analyse their own processes against the key objectives contained within the strategy and ensure their own approach isn’t needlessly blocking small firms.”

“When it comes to applying pro-SME procurement practices, some local authorities are better than others so the work the LGA does to provide an overarching set of principles is crucial. Relatively simple changes – such as always using PAS 91 as the basis for any construction pre-qualification questionnaires – can make a huge difference to reducing the bureaucratic burden on SMEs and encouraging more small firms to bid for public sector contracts,” concluded Berry.

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/16022015/new-lga-strategy-will-support-sme-construction-firms-339/