Bromley Council is set to enhance its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a series of initiatives aimed at reducing procurement barriers. The Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee discussed the council's approach to supporting these businesses during their meeting on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Members of the committee commended the council's report, Procurement: Supporting Small Businesses Procurement and Small Businesses, on supporting small businesses, noting the ease with which companies can register to receive procurement opportunities. Councillor Simon Fawthrop, Chairman of the committee, suggested exploring further communication channels, such as social media and the Bromley magazine, to promote this accessibility.

Laurence Downes, Assistant Director for Governance and Procurement, acknowledged the need for website enhancements and confirmed ongoing engagement with local business networks. The council's Local Rules OK! policy, which encourages commissioners to invite SMEs and at least one Bromley-based provider to bid for regulated below-threshold procurements, was identified as a key driver in removing barriers. However, this policy is limited to Regulated Below Threshold procurements and cannot be applied to Above Threshold procurements, which must be advertised.

Barriers and Website Improvements

Despite efforts, SMEs may face particular barriers to participation. The Procurement: Supporting Small Businesses report highlights several challenges beyond registration. These include the need for preliminary market engagement prior to tenders to raise awareness and gather feedback on procurement design. Additionally, conditions of participation need to be proportionate, avoiding requirements like insurance before award or demanding audited annual accounts from suppliers not mandated to have them under the Companies Act 2006. Commissioners are urged to proactively identify SMEs and local businesses for participation.

The council's website is also an area for improvement. Information on procurement advice, guidance, and opportunities for SMEs is currently limited. The Corporate Procurement Team aims to develop the website into a more useful tool for SMEs, with a review planned for 2026. However, resource limitations are a factor in the progress of this objective.

Regulatory Changes and Future Policy

Looking ahead, the council plans to develop a Bromley Procurement Priorities policy, which will set out specific policy aims for removing barriers to SMEs in procurement. This policy is intended to complement national procurement priorities and will be developed for agreement in 2026. Specific policy aims include setting out objectives for removing barriers, developing broader social criteria to emphasize support for SMEs and the Voluntary Sector, and encouraging providers to commit to engaging with SMEs and local businesses as subcontractors.

Furthermore, proposals are under consultation for regulatory changes in 2026 that could impact SME procurement. These may include requirements for annual spend targets with SMEs and the Voluntary Sector, mandatory annual reporting of such spend, and the ability to restrict Below Threshold Open Tenders to organisations based in Bromley and neighbouring boroughs.

Current Engagement and Data

The Corporate Procurement Team has already established links with local small business organisations, such as the Bromley Federation of Small Businesses, and has delivered presentations at local events. The Economic Development Service plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers through initiatives like the Opportunity Bromley website, which will feature a directory of business support services and procurement engagement guidance. They also provide direct support through Small Business Supply Chain Advisors and host events like Meet the Buyer.

To improve market knowledge, the council acknowledges the lack of corporate databases for storing information on local businesses. Market intelligence currently relies on individual commissioners and informal records. The Gateway 1 template is also set to be revised in 2026 to strengthen the section on market engagement, requiring commissioners to detail their approach to SME and local business participation and barrier removal.

Procurement Statistics

The report highlighted that 70% of the council's recorded contracts are with SMEs, representing 60% of the overall annual contract value. Furthermore, 23% of all recorded contracts are with Bromley-based suppliers, accounting for 29% of the total annual value.

Public reports pack Monday 19-Jan-2026 19.00 Executive Resources and Contracts Policy Development