Your institution will be a significant employer and source of business within its local community. It is important that it acts to support local business, however this must be managed in such a way as not to distort competition, for example, stipulating that a local presence is necessary to a contract when in reality it is not.
There are a number of steps that can be taken to help support and develop local community suppliers:
- Publish a Dealing with this Institution Guide on your web site
- Assess your institution's value to its local community
Also see guidance on The Social Value Act 2012 which includes some examples of how procurement can be designed to improve the social, economic and/or environmental well-being of your local area.