03 Oct 2024
In a landmark achievement, Glasgow City Council has announced a record-breaking spend of £7,995,187 with local social enterprises in 2023-24. This milestone underscores the council’s commitment to fostering social value and community wellbeing through its procurement practices.
The announcement comes on the heels of Glasgow City Council’s recent commitment to the Buy Social Scotland Pledge, a new national initiative led by Social Enterprise Scotland, that aims to strengthen opportunities for social enterprises within the country’s supply chains. The Pledge has five key commitments: Recognise Fair Work principles; Make a commitment towards a Net Zero Policy; promote Social Enterprises within our own organisation’s procurement and supply chain; agree to prompt payment to its suppliers; and commit to reporting annual spend with social enterprises.
By signing the pledge, Glasgow City Council has joined a growing movement of public sector organisations, SMEs, Corporates and academic institutions dedicated to driving positive social and environmental change through their spending power.
Councillor Ruairi Kelly (City Convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets) said: “Investing in social enterprises not only delivers exceptional services to our residents but also ensures that our spending has a meaningful impact on our community. By prioritising social value, we are creating opportunities for disadvantaged groups, fostering local employment, and contributing to a more inclusive economy.”
Social enterprises are businesses that reinvest their profits into social and environmental causes, making them powerful vehicles for positive change. Glasgow City Council’s £8m investment has supported a diverse range of enterprises, including Hey Girls CIC, Darcy’s EALC and CrossReach.
Chris Martin, CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland said: “This significant investment by Glasgow City Council sets a powerful example of how public procurement can drive positive change. By choosing to purchase from social enterprises, the council is not only delivering exceptional value to its residents but is also supporting sustainable business practises that benefit society as a whole.
“We are thrilled that Glasgow City Council has signed up to the Buy Social Scotland Pledge, which further demonstrates their dedication to creating social value and sets a benchmark for other councils in Scotland to follow.”
Pictured: Eddie Percy, Economic Development Manager; Chris Luke, Business Engagement Advisor; Gary Stewart, Procurement Development Manager; and Cllr Ruairi Kelly, City Convenor for Neighbourhood Services and Assets of Glasgow City Council.
