Ashfield District Council has pledged to use more local goods and services.

Its Cabinet has approved a new procurement strategy that focuses on supporting local businesses.

The strategy outlines the council’s shop local approach to procurement for public services. It places importance on sustainable procurement to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises in the district.

As part of the council’s commitment to championing independent businesses, the local supplier portal was launched in April. The portal allows business in Ashfield to enter their details, which can then be accessed by council staff procuring for goods and services up to £5,000.

Coun David Martin, executive lead member for Finance, said: “We are committed to providing excellent public services, which are the best value for money. Our new procurement strategy demonstrates we are serious about ensuring that we can use the goods and services offered by local businesses to deliver on our ambitions. We are practising what we preach by shopping local.

“Our new Local Supplier Portal means that we can actively support small businesses in the district.

“We urge every business in Ashfield to register their details on the portal, it’s free and an easy way to make sure your business can be considered when we procure.”

The portal can be accessed at www.ashfield.gov.uk