Mansfield District Council says businesses in the area will benefit from changes to the way one it obtains goods and services.

The council, which spends £40m a year on works, goods and services, has updated its procurement policy to put a greater emphasis on social, environmental and economic factors.

The main aims of the strategy are to keep money in the local area, put Mansfield’s residents and businesses at the heart of everything it does, and take into account environmental responsibility and sustainability.

In practice, this could include encouraging employment and training opportunities in disadvantaged communities, considering the effect on the environment and carbon footprint, and breaking larger pieces of work into several smaller projects so that smaller companies can apply to carry out the work.

The council must follow a procurement process for goods and services costing more than £5,000. Procurement ensures the council is working to the latest council and central government policies and procedures, and that the most cost and time effective methods and materials are used. It covers the entire process — from identifying a need for goods or services to overseeing the contract for its lifetime.

The Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, who presented the strategy to invited guests at a meeting of the Developers Forum, said: “We believe it is important to consider the social, economic and environmental implications of choosing partners to work with and companies to deliver goods and services. For example, the cheapest option may not provide the best-quality outcome. We also want to use local businesses, where possible, to support our existing workforces and use their skills.

“In line with the council’s Making Mansfield to 2030 strategy and core values of growth, aspiration, wellbeing and place, procurement decisions will support the local economy, be sustainable and responsible, and have Mansfield and its stakeholders at the heart of all planned activities.

“We recognise the importance of considering our effect on the environment and carbon footprint when making procurement decisions too.”

Any business interested in becoming a supplier should visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/procurement