Planning software system

About the buyer

Somerset Council is a unitary local authority that buys through its own central procurement team. Suppliers register free on the Proactis Supplier Network, a shared e-procurement portal used across the South West. Above certain value thresholds set by the Procurement Act 2023, tenders also appear on Contracts Finder and Find a Tender. Larger contracts go to formal tender through the council's e-tendering system. Quotes are invited from multiple suppliers for lower-value goods, works and services. Commissioning favours suppliers who can show social value, environmental impact and local supply chain benefits.

UK local government drives £140bn in annual procurement, led by social protection (£66.6bn) and education (£57.1bn).

Over the past 5 years, most of Somerset Council's contract awards have been in construction work, education and training and health and social work.