Former Debenhams Enabling Works

About the buyer

Medway Council governs the Medway towns in Kent, and buys as a local authority with its own central procurement team. All contracting opportunities are advertised on the Kent Business Portal, where suppliers can search live tenders and set up email alerts. Suppliers must also register on the Central Digital Platform, a requirement since the Procurement Act 2023 took effect. Dynamic purchasing systems cover recurring needs such as SEND transport, supported living and agency staff recruitment. Premarket engagement with suppliers shapes tender requirements before contracts go live. The council also publishes its full contracts register on the same portal.

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 Medway Council's contract awards have been in construction work, architectural and engineering services and health and social work.