How we buy things

St Helens Borough Council spends a considerable amount of money on the procurement of goods, services and works each year, providing companies of all sizes a wide range of opportunities to work with us.

While we have a statutory duty to ensure the best possible value for money, we also have a commitment to optimising social value and working with local suppliers, to put money into the local economy while getting improved outcomes for our residents and businesses. This includes looking to increase our opportunities for small or medium enterprises (SMEs) and third sector organisations (charities and voluntary organisations).

The council has also raised a climate emergency with an ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030. As a result, our assessment processes look to ensure the reduction of environmentally damaging products, promotion of greater use of renewable sources, and encouraging suppliers to use environmentally friendly practices throughout their supply chain.

Procurement services are provided by STAR Procurement, a shared service for St Helens, Knowsley, Trafford, Tameside, Stockport and Rochdale. We provide strategic procurement advice and support to each of the partners as well as tendering, market engagement and supplier support. Our priority is to maximise value for money for each of our council's, deliver efficiencies and maximise opportunities for Social Value.

Contracts register

A complete list of current contracts with key information, such as values and renewal dates, can be found on our contracts register.

Contact us

Our corporate procurement service contains procurement specialists who aim to deliver high-quality services and support to the council and its suppliers. They can be contacted at procurement@star-procurement.gov.uk.