Buying local boosts business by $35m

 

Local businesses have reaped an additional $35 million in revenue thanks to the City’s “buy local” policy.

Mayor Tom Tate said the policy, which commenced in February 2013, is giving more local businesses the opportunity to supply their products and services to the City of Gold Coast.

"Figures show that when the policy commenced in February 2013, around 53 per cent of our procurement spend was with suppliers on the Gold Coast. A year later (end of February 2014), this figure is now sitting at around 63 per cent," he said.

"This increase over the past 12 months represents approximately $35 million of additional spend to local suppliers through our Buy Local policy.

"We envisage this to grow even further over the next 12 months.

"It’s tangible proof we are seriously committed to supporting local businesses through this policy."

The City’s annual procurement spend with suppliers on the Gold Coast is now worth approximately $325 million.

Skyline Landscape Services has been doing work for City of Gold Coast for the past nine years. The company’s director, Colin Richardson, said business had expanded as a result of the new policy.

"The experience we have gained working with the City has been instrumental in the growth of our company. We have been able to leverage from the experience and our fantastic working relationship with City of Gold Coast to now service many councils throughout Australia," said Mr Richardson.

“I am most proud of the fact that Skyline has been able to create many new jobs for local residents and offer many of our existing team opportunities that have afforded them a career within our company. Numerous staff have been promoted into management positions and we have enjoyed developing their careers.

"As a proud local resident, it’s great to see not only our own company benefit but also the local businesses that supply all our vehicles, equipment and considerable consumables that we require to service the contracts."

Last October, the Buy Local policy was awarded Best Example of Socially Responsible Procurement as part of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) Procurement Professional Awards for Australasia 2013.

President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland, Gary Mays, said the policy was a breakthrough for local businesses.

"It certainly increases the amount of opportunities for local companies," Mr Mays said.

Businesses interested in providing their details to the City of Gold Coast as potential suppliers can go to our website and provide the relevant information.

Providing your details does not guarantee a business will be engaged. However it does mean that should the City be interested in the type of services you provide, you may be contacted to provide a quote.

For more information visit City of Gold Coast