Getting procurement right is fundamental to providing citizens access to the world-class public services which they deserve. It is not only about improving the delivery and cost-effectiveness of quality services but also about environmental and sustainable procurement.

Environment Minister Elliot Morley highlighted this point when he said: “Sustainable procurement is an opportunity for us to lead by example. It is central to the policy of this Government, and by clearly demonstrating our commitment to purchasing sustainable goods, we send a clear message to manufacturers that the demand for such materials exists.”

Procurement is more than simply purchasing goods and services. It covers all stages of managing service delivery, from identification of needs to measuring impact on customers. The savings that have been made could not have been made without you – the procurement specialist. If you feel you deserve to win a prestigious Government Opportunities Excellence in Public Procurement Award, make sure you register for a nomination form.

Did you know…

• Public sector procurement spend is in the region of £120 billion a year

• Local government is responsible for £75 billion of spending a year of which £27.5 billion is spent on goods and services nationally

• Local government employs one in ten people in the UK

• By December 2006, £13 billion of the £21 billion of savings in public spending identified by Sir Peter Gershon had been achieved

Do you have any interesting procurement facts? Why not share them with us by emailing helpdesk@n3pd.com