📢 **Calling for Fair Play in Welsh Procurement!**
Welsh businesses are rallying against the use of closed English frameworks for public procurement. Cardiff-based edtech company, GroupEd, is highlighting how this practice is pushing Welsh SMEs out of local public sector contracts and calling for change.
Here’s the issue: Welsh councils have been procuring management software through KCS Procurement Services, a Kent-based framework. This means contracts can go to pre-approved suppliers without giving Welsh businesses a fair chance to compete. GroupEd points out that new suppliers can’t even apply until 2030, leaving innovative and cost-effective Welsh tech ignored.
The company’s CEO, Cerys Furlong, argues this goes against the Procurement (Wales) Act and Regulations, meant to boost spending with Welsh businesses. She emphasises that while some councils successfully run open procurement processes, others choose the convenient English frameworks, diverting Welsh funds away from local businesses.
Welsh Government, are you listening? GroupEd is urging the new administration to enforce existing laws and keep Welsh money in Wales. This isn’t about making things difficult—it’s about fairness and supporting home-grown talent.
Despite these hurdles, GroupEd aims to impact 10,000 schools with their platform by 2030 and is focusing on international growth. Here’s hoping for a fairer future where Welsh SMEs get their rightful seat at the table! 🏢🏫
Welsh Government says they want to amplify local economic impact, supporting a lively competition market. But will they take the steps needed to ensure Welsh businesses can truly compete for contracts without being shut out by distant frameworks?
Let’s see how this unfolds and keep championing our local businesses! 🇬🇧✨
#SupportWelshBusiness #FairProcurement #WelshSMEs