Think Carmarthenshire First

For purchases below £25,000 officers are requested to ‘Think Carmarthenshire First’ when seeking quotations for the purchase of Goods/Services which are not covered by the arrangements mentioned above. Please therefore, explore the market place to establish if there are any businesses within Carmarthenshire that can provide the goods / service that you are seeking to purchase and include them in your invites to quote.

Using local suppliers offers several benefits, both for the Authority itself and the broader community. Here are some key advantages:

1. Economic Benefits

• Job Creation and Retention: By contracting with local suppliers, we can support job creation and retention within the community. This helps reduce unemployment and can lead to a more stable local economy.
• Economic Multiplier Effect: Money spent locally tends to circulate within the community multiple times. Local suppliers are more likely to spend their earnings on local services and businesses, further boosting the local economy.
• Support for Small Businesses: Local suppliers are often small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Supporting these businesses helps maintain a diverse and competitive market, which can lead to innovation and more personalised services.

2. Environmental Benefits

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Local suppliers are geographically closer, which reduces transportation distances. This results in a smaller carbon footprint for our procurement activities.

3. Social Benefits

• Community Engagement: Using local suppliers fosters stronger relationships between the Authority and the community. Suppliers are often residents who have a vested interest in the community’s wellbeing, leading to higher levels of trust and collaboration.
• Social Value: Local suppliers are likely to contribute to social initiatives, such as providing apprenticeships, supporting local charities, or engaging in community development projects. This adds social value beyond the immediate goods or services provided.
• Pride in Local Services: The community may feel a greater sense of pride and ownership in services and infrastructure that are supported or built by local companies.

4. Improved Service Delivery

• Faster Response Times: Local suppliers can often respond more quickly to our needs due to their proximity. This can be particularly beneficial in emergency situations or when urgent maintenance or repairs are needed