The guide was developed to provide an easy-to-understand introduction to public procurement processes, procedures and vocabulary.

The guide helps to explain how local authorities and other public bodies purchase goods, services and works.

It aims to help SMEs and sole traders to understand what is involved in public procurement and to encourage them to engage with the many opportunities for business within local authorities and public bodies.

There are many advantages to becoming a supplier to the public sector including opportunities to tender for a range of low to high value contracts at local, regional, and national level.