Economic Development to "redirect millions of pounds" to local businesses

Tuesday 12 January 2021

Economic Development has set out its intention to keep more public money on-island by reducing the £80m+ that is spent annually with off-island contractors and suppliers.

Our government spends around £200 million per year on work to support the Bailiwick's public services and infrastructure.

57% of this spending is currently going into local firms, but Economic Development Vice-President Steve Falla says more should be done to support local firms to compete for States contracts.

"There seems to be a genuine opportunity here for us to give more work to local businesses and, in doing so, support our local economy," he said. "We have more work to do to figure out how best this can be achieved, so it's early days, but I am keen that we work fast, and begin to see changes this year."

Economic Development will be working with Procurement, Communications and other States Officers this year to "improve access to opportunities, help equip local suppliers to respond better, and proactively identify and develop categories of spend that can be sourced locally".

Changes to improve the application process for local businesses are also being explored, including making the online tendering portal more user-friendly, and providing clearer guidance as to what is expected of those who are applying.

The States of Guernsey is keen to hear from local businesses who believe they operate in sectors where the States could contract work locally, or sectors which could be localised with the help of targeted sector development, such as recruitment of key skills. Businesses who have suggestions on how to improve support are asked to contact procurement@gov.gg.

Pictured top: Economic Development Vice-President Steve Falla said that supporting local businesses who tender work for the States "could be a real quick-win" for post-pandemic economic recovery.