Scotland Excel’s supply and delivery of power tools framework went live recently, with six Scottish companies among the supplier list, and another supplier set to service the contract from its Scottish branches.

The framework is predicted to see a spend of £2.5 million over its term, and deliver savings to councils of around 5.8%.

Councillor John Shaw, convener of Scotland Excel, said: “I welcome the launch of this new framework. It will help councils source a wide range of power tools that are key to supporting the maintenance of buildings across our communities including social housing, schools, and community centres.

“Power tools are also a key part of council training programmes for trade apprentices and it’s important that council trade teams can source them effectively.

“This contract is good news for councils and suppliers. It has fixed prices for 12 months and eight suppliers are ready to do business across Scotland – six of which are small to medium enterprises (SMEs). I’m also pleased that as part of this framework, community benefits will be delivered. Suppliers will work with local authorities they regularly do business with to deliver community benefits within the local area.”

When suppliers meet the annual threshold spend for a council, they’ll work with that local authority to agree what community benefits will be delivered in the area. This could include work experience placements, equipment donations, sponsorship, or including local supported businesses in the supply chain.

The suppliers awarded onto the framework are: