South Ayrshire Council unveiled details of a programme at Ayr Racecourse recently that will pave the way for local companies to become suppliers.

As part of a new £4 million Framework Agreement, South Ayrshire Council is looking to identify contractors with the necessary skills, capability, resources and experience to provide reactive minor works to support work to the Council’s social housing stock for up to four years.

The framework includes opportunities for supplier in eight separate lots (builders; plumbing; tarmac; roofing, glazing, joinery, painting, and plastering) with a maximum of four contractors to be appointed for each lot.

The news comes at a time when a concerted effort is being made to make it easier for smaller, local companies to secure public sector contracts.

Councillor Brian McGinley, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure, said: “Our businesses provide the backbone to the local economy and we’re committed to promoting opportunities for smaller companies to secure public sector contracts.

“We know that many business owners don’t feel they can compete with bigger rivals, but by taking a strategic approach we’re opening up the system and supporting suppliers across South Ayrshire.

“The feedback from the recent event was extremely positive and we’ve already heard from a number of local businesses. I’d urge anyone with an interest in getting involved to find out more and make their application.”

The submission process is scheduled to start later this month.

For more information on South Ayrshire Council’s contract opportunities contact: procurement@south-ayrshire.gov.uk.