Scotland Excel projects highly commended
Scotland Excel has been recognised for its achievements at the third annual Government Opportunities (GO) Excellence in Public Procurement Awards Scotland. A finalist in four categories, we received two Highly Commended awards for our Graduate Trainee Programme and the work of our Catering and Cleaning Commodity Team.
As Scotland's first national graduate programme in public sector procurement, our Graduate Trainee Programme was Highly Commended within the 'Innovation or Initiative of the Year' category. The award was accepted by Irene McCulloch, Head of Professional Services and Fraser Pass, Special Projects Manager on behalf of everyone who has been involved with the project at Scotland Excel. The Graduate Trainee Programme was also a finalist in the prestigious "John F McClelland Collaborative Procurement Initiative of the Year" category.
In the 'Best Supplier Engagement Initiative category, Scotland Excel's Catering and Cleaning Commodity Team was Highly Commended for its work with Robert Wiseman Dairies. Working in partnership, Scotland Excel and Wiseman have agreed an innovative strategy which encompasses nutritional improvements, sustainability and best value for local authority customers, while also supporting the milk industry across the supply chain.
Scotland Excel supplier nominee, Strathclyde Tyres, received a Highly Commended in 'Best Service' category for their rebate programme and tyre management service combining efficiency gains with sustainability benefits. This programme demonstrates Strathclyde Tyres' in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by local authorities, and is an excellent example of the collaborative contract opportunities that are available to Scottish SMEs which deliver innovative and responsive services.
The significant progress that has been made by the local government sector during the last year was highlighted across all categories at GO Awards, with local authorities accounting for almost one third of the finalists and a number of awards.
David Martin, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Council and Chairman of Scotland Excel's Chief Executive Officers Management Group received the 'GO Outstanding Contribution Award' for his work in promoting procurement best practice. Argyll and Bute procurement team were winners within the 'Sustainability / Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year' category, while Renfrewshire, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils and the Tayside Procurement Consortium received 'Highly Commended' awards in a number of categories.
The GO Awards ceremony was held at Glasgow's Crowne Plaza Hotel on 26 October. A full list of award winners is available at GO Awards.