About

Local government has significant buying power –
potentially it could be your best customer...

Who are SOPO?

The Society of Procurement Officers in Local Government (SOPO) represents over 2800 procurement officers from local government and other local organisations, such as the police and emergency services. Its aim is to support and advise local authorities throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on all purchasing and supply matters of national or general interest, and to represent its members on other bodies to promote the Society and its aims.

New market opportunities

Local government seeks to develop diverse and competitive sources of supply, including procurement from small firms, ethnic minority businesses, social enterprises and voluntary and community organisations. By working with suppliers, SOPO seeks to encourage their businesses to meet the needs of local government.

Opportunities for small firms

Local government is committed to the development of SME-friendly procurement and recognises the need to encourage existing suppliers to enter new markets.

Local government recognises that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may in the right circumstances offer better value for money than larger suppliers by:

• Bringing greater competition to the marketplace
• Having smaller administrative overheads and management costs
• Bringing innovation
• Responding quickly to changing requirements
• Being flexible and willing to tailor a product or service to meet specific customer needs
• Offering high-quality, personal levels of service
• Supplying specialist products and services