New procurement platform

The new Social Supplier Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) allows buyers to source goods and services from suppliers who can deliver a quality service and a positive impact, such as social enterprises, charities and sheltered workshops. Businesses in the construction industry, whether part of their corporate social responsibility or in tendering for public sector work, are often asked to demonstrate social value or to use a certain number of social enterprises, charities and sheltered workshops, and this platform will make that requirement easier.

Sam Scharf, Director of Communities and Sustainability at Orbit, commented: “We are now spending close to £2m per annum and are actively looking to increase the percentage of spend with social enterprises. This new platform will allow us to do just this, but we also wanted to open up the opportunity for others to do the same.”