Written question WQ88182

Through our Foundational Economy programme, we are undertaking specific work on building resilience in local food supply chains. Detailed analysis of public sector expenditure on food has been completed and actions are being developed to increase the proportion of local produce which makes its way onto public sector plates.

Business Wales provides support to improve and build resilience in local supply chains and works with public sector purchasers to enable business in Wales to secure greater proportion of public sector spend. They also provide procurement advice to assist businesses particularly foundational economy, grounded firms, and business clusters, to bid for contracts in the public and private sector.

Their Tendering Advisors can help businesses become ‘fit for tender’ to improve their chances of winning public and private sector contracts, sub-contracting work on larger public-sector projects and securing places on public sector frameworks. The Advisors support businesses to develop their understanding and completion of procurement processes such as pre-qualification questionnaires, tenders and quality control accreditation; as well as advice on pipeline tender opportunities and how to work collaboratively to secure contracts.

Business Wales also promotes national e-procurement tools, portals and how to make the most of them, including Sell2Wales, Contracts Finder and Find a Tender. The service also works to improve awareness of the ‘Understanding of the Code of Practice: Ethical Employment in supply chains’.

Meet the buyer and engagement events are hosted and supported by Business Wales to inform, engage and encourage suppliers to expand their supply chain and open up opportunities for Welsh businesses.

The public sector also has a key role in re-localising and nurturing local supply chains. To that end, an online food procurement resource (Buying Food Fit for the Future) was launched in December, providing public buyers with the advice and resources required to better engage with local food producers and suppliers.