Supplying the council

East Suffolk Council currently spends around £84 million each year and we are keen to encourage a diverse range of suppliers to do business with us, both large and small.

Why do business with East Suffolk Council?

We are governed by many different regulations which ensure that the way we work is fair, open and transparent. These regulations can mean that the process is more complex than in the private sector, but they do mean you can be sure you will be treated fairly and on the same terms as everyone else.

Procurement Act 2023

The Procurement Act 2023 and supporting Procurement Regulations 2024 came into force 24 February 2025 and will apply to all higher value procurements over the Public Procurement Threshold.

Support for small businesses

We want to support small and local businesses to win our contracts. This includes looking at how we structure contracts, revising our tender documentation, producing guidance documents, holding supplier events and working with local commerce groups.

Social Value

Social Value is very important to the council. It is important we maximise public benefit for every pound we spend.

Working with partner organisations

East Suffolk Council’s Procurement Team provides procurement services to East Suffolk Services Limited, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, South Norfolk Council and Broadland District Council.

Future opportunities

We want to engage more with our suppliers to let them know when we have contract opportunities coming up or 'in the pipeline' so you can better plan your resource in responding to invitation to tender.

Current tenders

We advertise open opportunities on our e-Tendering system (In-Tend). Suppliers can register on In-tend free of charge and will then be able to respond to all of the advertised opportunities.

Contract Procedure Rules

These rules and regulations govern our procedures for obtaining quotations, issuing tenders and awarding contracts.

The procurement process

The procurement process depends on the value of the works, supplies or services sought and there are thresholds for when the council must obtain written quotations and issue tenders.

Contractors permit to work

Before you carry out work on a building owned or operated by East Suffolk Council, you will need to apply for a permit to work.

As a local council we are not just looking for the biggest companies to supply us, we want to encourage organisations of all sizes to bid on our tenders, including local suppliers. There is something for everyone and we are shaping procurements for all kinds of suppliers.

Find a Tender Service

Please note: From 1 April 2026 all suppliers will be required to be registered on Find a Tender Service to be awarded a contract over £30,000 including VAT. This is required by Government please see guidance on how to registered here: Suppliers: How to register your organisation and first administrator on Find a Tender in three easy steps - GOV.UK

Terms and conditions

 

Contracts Register and procurement strategy

 

Feedback on procurement process or contract management

Should you have any concerns or feedback regarding procurement processes or contract management within the Authority, please inform the lead procurement officer by completing our Supplier feedback form.

Suffolk’s Environmental Ask

In 2019, Suffolk’s Local Authorities declared a climate emergency and committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from their operations and services as well as working with partners in support of the aim of a net zero Suffolk by 2030.  

All Suffolk’s Local Authorities have jointly adopted this Ask in order to improve the environmental impact of our procurement of goods, services and works.  When purchasing goods, services and works we will evaluate the environmental response of bidders for our contracts.