Contracts for a wide variety of works, services and supplies are available for tender each year in Lewisham. The Council spends millions of pounds each year and wants to promote best practice and the highest possible standards. We also have a duty to make sure that all works meet the Best Value criteria.
Firms wishing to be considered for contracts must demonstrate their ability to provide the required work, service or supply. They must also comply with Lewisham’s Code of Practice for contractors, suppliers and service providers.
The aim, where possible, is to help firms improve their practices rather than exclude them from tendering. This increases the Council’s choice of contractors and enhances the services provided to the public.
Small business friendly concordat
The Council recently signed the Small business friendly concordat, which is the national procurement concordat for small and medium-sized enterprises, and which confirms its commitment to this sector.
The strategy requires local authorities to adopt a SME friendly procurement concordat and to encourage a mixed range of suppliers in order to help develop and stimulate a varied and competitive marketplace. The concordat sets out the actions that local authorities should take to make their contracts more accessible to SMEs, and is in line with Lewisham's strategy of engaging with SMEs and local suppliers.