Council changes rules to support more local businesses

North East Lincolnshire Council is creating more opportunities for local businesses, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprises (VCSEs) to compete for council contracts.

Changes to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules (CPRs) – the rules that govern the procurement/ buying in of goods, works and services – reinforce the Council's commitment to engaging with local suppliers and, where lawful and appropriate, widening access to Council procurement opportunities for local businesses, SMEs and VCSEs.

In some cases, and where there is sufficient local competition and capacity, certain contracts below relevant procurement thresholds may be reserved for suppliers with substantive business operations in North East Lincolnshire.

The changes are designed to help local businesses access public sector opportunities, support economic growth and strengthen the local economy, while continuing to ensure value for money, transparency and fair competition.

These changes have been enabled by new Government legislation introduced through the Local Government (Exclusion of Non-Commercial Considerations) (England) Order 2026) This allows councils to reserve certain below-threshold opportunities for local suppliers in specific circumstances.

Cllr Simon Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Resources and Assets, said: "North East Lincolnshire is home to some fantastic businesses and organisations, and these changes will help open up more opportunities for local suppliers to compete for Council contracts.

“By making it easier for local businesses, SMEs and VCSEs to access public sector opportunities, we can support local jobs, growth and investment and maximise the benefits of public spending for our communities, while continuing to secure value for money for residents."

Local businesses, SMEs and VCSEs are encouraged to register on YORtender and the Government's Central Digital Platform (Find a Tender) to receive alerts about upcoming contract opportunities.

Registration is free and gives suppliers access to opportunities to provide goods, works and services to the Council and the wider public sector.

For businesses looking for support and advice, the Economy & Growth team at North East Lincolnshire Council can provide help with a variety of services, including; commercial property and land searches, grants, funding, and finance support, workforce skills and training development, and signposting to other local and national support services.

If you'd like to speak to the team about any support your business needs or challenges you are facing, please contact the Economy & Growth team at enquiries@investnel.co.uk.