Procurement

"Procurement" is defined as the process of acquiring goods, works and services. The process embraces the complete life cycle from the identification of needs, through to the end of a service contract.

Westminster City Council spends approximately £450 million annually on goods and services, and is accountable to the public, to ensure taxpayer's money is spent in their best interest and that it achieves best value for money at all stages.

Purchasing using an open and transparent process is the collaborative and most effective way to ensure this outcome, therefore all contracts awarded are subject to the Council's competitive process and all UK and EU legislation.

The way in which goods and services are bought can have a considerable impact upon the environment and the social and economic well being of the community within Westminster and beyond. Westminster City Council strives to work with suppliers, Small to Medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and Black, Asian, Minority and Ethnic enterprises (BAMEs) to provide support and guidance to aid suppliers through this process.

As part of its procurement strategy, Westminster has adopted CompeteFor, a unique online shortlisting tool to enhance its buying processes and support the local business community. CompeteFor is a groundbreaking website that allows the business community to compete for contract opportunities linked to major buying organisations including central and local government. For further information on CompeteFor, please click on the CompeteFor link on the left hand side of this page. 

The City Council's Procurement and Contracts Code and Appendices provide more detail on these processes.