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1. Introduction
The Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (The Act) requires all public organisations with annual regulated procurement spend of £5 million or more to publish a procurement strategy and to prepare an annual procurement report on its regulated procurements. This report publicises performance and achievements in delivering North Ayrshire Council’s Procurement Strategy and demonstrates how procurement spend is being used to achieve:
- Better public services
- Social, economic and environmental outcomes in North Ayrshire,
- A range of local and national policies, including community wealth building and meeting climate change obligations.
Regulated procurements are governed by The Act and equal or exceed £2,000,000 for works contracts and £50,000 for goods and services contracts (including health & social care).
This report covers the period from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026 and applies to all regulated North Ayrshire Council external supplier expenditure.
The Procurement Strategy was published in November 2023, and it sets out how North Ayrshire Council will approach its external expenditure on goods, services and works over the period 2023 to 2026. This strategy is refreshed annually and performance against strategic objectives is reviewed every 6 months and reported to the North Ayrshire Council Procurement Board, which is chaired by the Finance Head of Service.
Together, the Procurement Strategy and the Annual Procurement Report support increased transparency and visibility of public procurement and demonstrates how relevant and proportionate sustainable procurement is embedded.
North Ayrshire Council recognises the importance and the benefits of effective procurement, and The Procurement Strategy sets out the strategic objectives that will improve, innovate, and transform how North Ayrshire Council procures goods, services, and works.
The Annual Procurement Report includes:
- a summary of the regulated procurements and non-regulated procurements, that have been awarded
- a review of whether those procurements complied with The Procurement Strategy 2023 to 2026 and details of any non-compliance, with rectification measures for future compliance
- a summary of any community benefits delivered
- a summary of steps taken to facilitate the involvement of supported businesses
- a summary of steps taken to reduce climate change impact
- a summary of continuous improvement projects/activities
- a summary of commercial activity to generate savings and income
- a summary of the regulated procurements North Ayrshire Council expects to commence in the next two financial years
Report Owner
The Annual Procurement Report owner is Suzanne Bignell, Senior Manager (Corporate Procurement).
2. North Ayrshire Council Context
Despite some locational strengths, North Ayrshire has levels of inequality, particularly poverty and the associated effects this has. North Ayrshire is one of the most deprived areas in Scotland and deprivation levels are significantly higher than the Scottish average. 40.9% of North Ayrshire residents live in the most deprived Scottish Index of Multiple Depravation area.
North Ayrshire Council aims to improve the North Ayrshire economy by using North Ayrshire’s land and coastal assets, infrastructure, and location-based strengths, to draw investment and stakeholder activity to create opportunities for our local business base and increase access to fair employment opportunities.
The Council Plan
In 2023, North Ayrshire Council published its latest Council Plan 2023 to 2028 which builds on previous plans and has a vision of a North Ayrshire that is fair for all and a mission to work together to improve the lives of our people in North Ayrshire.
The Council Plan states:
Quote: We are aware that many of the issues we face in North Ayrshire are extremely complex and will take longer than a five-year Council Plan to fully resolve. With this in mind each Council Plan should be viewed as a substantial step towards addressing significant challenges such as child poverty in our communities and the impact of climate change. By building on each plan, we can drive immediate and longer-term sustainable improvements to the lives of our residents. Our communities are at the heart of everything we do and as we move to deliver our Council Plan, we would like you to hold us to account.
Quote from: North Ayrshire Council Plan 2023 to 2028
To achieve the above, North Ayrshire Council has set four strategic aims, to achieve:
- The vision – A North Ayrshire that is fair for all
- The mission – Working together to improve lives of our people in North Ayrshire.
Each strategic aim contributes to the delivery of Scotland’s 11 National Outcomes under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, and these are published within the National Performance Framework which aims to create a more successful country with more opportunities and better wellbeing for the people of Scotland.
The Corporate Procurement Unit works with stakeholders to support the achievement of the strategic aims of the Council Plan and the Procurement Strategy objectives align with and will contribute to the Council Plan.
Community Wealth Building Strategy
Community Wealth Building has been at the heart of everything we do at North Ayrshire Council, since it was launched in 2020. The Community Wealth Building Strategy 2024-2027 document states:
Quote: Now more than ever we need to take an inclusive and people-centered approach to developing our local economy and ensure fair distribution of wealth and opportunities for our communities.
Quote from: Community Wealth Building Strategy 2024-2027
The Council Plan states:
"Community Wealth Building is embedded as an approach and is contributing to the delivery of a wellbeing economy.
Community Wealth Building aims to increase wealth within our area and create a healthier and more resilient North Ayrshire. This is achieved by encouraging organisations to use their economic power, to work closely with communities and invest within North, South and East Ayrshire."
There are five key pillars within the strategy, one of which is procurement.
The Community Wealth Building procurement objective is for North Ayrshire Council to:
"Use spend to actively encourage and support a growing, diverse, and resilient local business base, and to support our net zero carbon ambition."
The Corporate Procurement Unit and the Business Support and Development Team continue to work together to support local businesses to optimise their chances of winning contracts within the limitations of public sector procurement legislation. Visibility of future procurement opportunities and support and training is provided, to help local businesses to be more competitive and therefore win a greater number of North Ayrshire Council contracts.
Another pillar of the Community Wealth Building Strategy is Fair Employment.
The Community Wealth Building fair employment objective is for North Ayrshire Council to:
"Encourage the creation of fair and meaningful jobs with progression opportunities to unlock the potential of our residents."
North Ayrshire Council procurement exercises include mandatory requirements for all suppliers to adopt Fair Work First principles and encourage payment of the Real Living Wage. Community benefit clauses relating to local employment and training are also included in all appropriate procurement exercises.
Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy
On 11 June 2019, North Ayrshire Council declared its own Climate Emergency, committing to act on climate change. The Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024-2027 has been developed to support the delivery of North Ayrshire Council’s priorities and continues to work towards a sustainable environment.
The strategy states:
"This ‘Sustainable North Ayrshire’ strategy has been developed to support the Climate Change priority and the continuing strategic aim of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030."
The Procurements Strategy strategic objective to tackle climate change and embrace a circular economy on our net-zero journey, aligns with this strategy.
North Ayrshire Council Spend
Procurement is a significant activity across North Ayrshire Council and in 2025-2026, approximately £267.5m was spent, across 30 different categories of goods, services, and works, with over 3,400 suppliers, resulting in over 101,000 invoices.
Just over 58% of the external procurement expenditure was spent with small and medium sized enterprises and around 32% was spent with local suppliers within North Ayrshire, which meant the 27% 2025 to 2026 Council Plan target was exceeded. Since the previous year local spend increased from £80.5m to £85.2m and the local spend percentage increased from 27% to 31%.
An additional £11.1m of local sub-contracted spend was also reported which, if considered, would have increased the local spend percentage to 36%.
North Ayrshire Council aspires to increase expenditure with local businesses and the Corporate Procurement Unit, and the Business Support and Development Team work together to support and develop local businesses to be more successful in winning North Ayrshire Council contracts.
The Corporate Procurement Unit has created a local business database to help identify local businesses who have the capability and capacity to bid for and deliver North Ayrshire Council contracts, and a local subcontracting process has been set up to encourage award of local sub-contracts.
North Ayrshire Council are also a member of the Supplier Development Programme and attend hosted meet the buyer events and encourage SMEs to reach out to the programme for support, where appropriate.
3. Summary of Regulated Procurements Completed
North Ayrshire Council completed 72 regulated procurements with a value of £189,493,424.55 during the period of the report. Table 1 below shows a summary of regulated procurement activity.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Total number of completed procurements | 72 |
| Estimated value of all completed procurements | £189,493,424.55 |
| Estimated savings to be delivered from the awarded contracts | £6,545,897.98 |
| Number of light touch contracts let during the period | 0 |
| Average number of bids received | 4 |
| % of contracts awarded to SMEs | 60% |
Further details of each individual procurement including contract reference, contract description, contact value, supplier name(s), contract start date, contract end date and extension periods can be found in Appendix A, and all current live contracts including regulated procurements are publicly available through North Ayrshire Council’s Contracts Register.
North Ayrshire Council also completed 120 non-regulated procurements, with a value of £12,372,413.61 during the period of the report.
The value and number of regulated contracts awarded for specific categories are detailed in Table 2 below:
| Contracts Awarded Category Type | Number of contracts | Total Value of Contracts | Percentage Value of Contracts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | 12 | £147,717,272.20 | 77.95% |
| Other Goods & Services | 5 | £1,776,968.90 | 0.94% |
| Healthcare | 2 | £423,647.84 | 0.22% |
| ICT | 15 | £2,940,432.54 | 1.55% |
| Transport | 6 | £1,987,653.80 | 1.05% |
| Professional Services | 5 | £691,985.86 | 0.37% |
| Social Care & Services | 3 | £2,909,030.47 | 1.54% |
| Security Equipment & Services | 3 | £594,820.14 | 0.31% |
| Vehicles | 3 | £1,546,903.00 | 0.82% |
| Financial Services | 1 | £1,091,949.04 | 0.58% |
| Waste & Environmental Services | 2 | £191,117.00 | 0.10% |
| Facilities Management | 2 | £809,662.50 | 0.43% |
| Manufacturing & Machinery | 1 | £874,507.00 | 0.46% |
| Education | 1 | £107,000.00 | 0% |
| Arts, Sport & Leisure | 1 | £87,393.33 | 0.05% |
| Marketing & Media | 1 | £300,000.00 | 0.16% |
| Laboratory | 1 | £194,718.77 | 0.10% |
| Legal | 1 | £114,785.00 | 0.06% |
| Personal Care | 1 | £61,548.16 | 0.03% |
| Grand Total | 72 | £189,493,424.55 | 100% |
4. Review of Procurement Compliance
Procurements need to be progressed in accordance with North Ayrshire Council’s Procurement Strategy and all relevant legislation. Details of whether these procurements complied with the Procurement Strategy 2023-2026 and areas of development in future years are detailed below:
Objective
To ensure all Corporate Procurement Unit staff are fully trained and developed to reach their maximum potential, to offer a more strategic and commercial approach to procurement activities.
How our objective will be met
Develop all new and existing Corporate Procurement Unit staff to be multi-skilled and able to carry out procurement exercises for any categories of spend, through appropriate professional qualifications, training, secondments, and mentoring.
Progress - Business as usual – 1 member of staff is progressing Charted Institute of Procurement and Supply Professional qualification. 1 member of staff is progressing Scotland Excel Public Procurement Practitioner qualification.
Identify training needs linked to our strategic objectives detailed in our Strategic Training Plan.
Progress - Business as usual – All training needs identified at one to ones or annual reviews are linked to a strategic objective and detailed on the Strategic Training Plan.
Deliver training through buddying, coaching, and mentoring and internal and external procurement training courses including climate literacy training and CIPS Ethical Procurement & Supply (Continuous Professional Development minutes 120).
Progress - Business as usual.
Objective
To ensure that all procurement activity is carried out in a transparent, proportionate, non-discriminative, and accountable manner, in accordance with procurement legislation and North Ayrshire Council’s internal governance.
How our objective will be met
Utilise advertising and e-Tendering systems and provide proportionate streamlined procurement processes, and user friendly, clear precise plain English documentation for all North Ayrshire Council employees involved in the procurement process to use, that is easy for suppliers to interpret to ensure common understanding.
Progress - Business as usual.
Ensure all elements of the contract strategy and tender process are reviewed and appropriately authorised to ensure non-discrimination, legal compliance, and delivery of best value.
Progress - All documents and processes are reviewed at least annually by the senior Manager and Operations Manager utilising a document review log.
Respond to changes, new procurement legislation or Scottish Procurement Policy Notes as appropriate.
Progress - Business as usual and all changes are actioned and reported to the Procurement Board quarterly.
Objective
To provide visibility of future contracting opportunities by advertising opportunities, maintaining, and publishing a Contract Register, tender waveplan, and procurement annual reports.
How our objective will be met
Advertise all appropriate contracts electronically using Public Contracts Scotland in line with legislative requirements.
Progress – All appropriate contract opportunities are advertised on Public Contracts Scotland and early supplier engagement is carried out to identify suitable suppliers and encourage them to bid.
Publish an Annual Report (including a 2-year forward plan of contract opportunities), Procurement Strategy and Contract Register in line with legislative requirements.
Progress - Business as usual.
Objective
Ensure all relevant contracts comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
How our objective will be met
Ensure health and safety is addressed in all relevant contracts by insisting on adherence to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, requesting ISO 45001 or equivalent policies and scoring risk and health and safety practices as part of the technical evaluation, where appropriate.
Progress - Business as usual.
Objective
To procure food to improve health, wellbeing and education and promote high standards of animal welfare.
How our objective will be met
Specify food procurements to ensure nutritional quality is addressed, seasonal products are purchased, and unnecessary use of natural resources is avoided and requesting certification relating to animal welfare standards.
Progress - Business as usual.
Objective
Work with service teams to develop a robust specification and contract strategy for each procurement exercise.
How our objective will be met
Work with services teams to develop a robust specification for each procurement exercise.
Progress - Business as usual.
Objective
To ensure Corporate Procurement Unit staff and service teams work collaboratively to ensure best economic and social value is obtained from all external expenditure.
How our objective will be met
Review spend data and identify non-compliant spend - work with service teams to ensure contracts are in place that have been procured via a compliant procurement route.
Progress – non-compliant spend is reviewed quarterly and reported to the Procurement Board, Senior Managers and Heads of Service, to encourage appropriate action and compliance.
Work with service teams to maintain an accurate tender waveplan to provide an overview of all contracts and supplier performance and enable efficient allocation of procurement resources.
Progress - Procurement Operations Manager meets with service teams quarterly to discuss future procurement requirements.
Work with service teams and suppliers to ensure continuous improvement, through regular meetings and using supplier and customer surveys.
Progress – Issue customer surveys annually and supplier surveys at the end of the procurement process and there is a feedback facility on Connects. Feedback is utilised to improve processes where appropriate.
Objective
Continue to improve procurement performance across the council as measured by the Scottish Government’s Procurement & Commercial Improvement Programme.
How our objective will be met
Prepare for the Procurement & Commercial Improvement Programme assessment by utilising a Procurement & Commercial Improvement Programme Improvement Plan.
Progress - Last PCIP Assessment took place November 2023.
Scored advanced practice in 9 out of 11 areas assessed.
Implemented improvements to the CSM process and the independent post project review process, following benchmarking best practice with other Councils.
Objective
Work with service teams to develop contract strategies and specifications aligned to the Council Plan, other North Ayrshire Council strategies, the National Performance Framework and Scottish Model of Procurement for all procurements (above £50K for supplies and services and above £500K for works) to deliver maximum economic and social value.
How our objective will be met
Develop contract strategies and specifications to procure contracts to fully meet North Ayrshire Council’s needs, considering early supplier engagement, market research, demand management, innovation and substitutes, best route to market to maximise competition and value for money, best pricing options and mechanisms and inclusion of criteria to reduce climate impact and benefit the local economy.
Progress – Business as usual.
Objective
Generate value from utilising collaborative contracts with other Councils, Scotland Excel, Scottish Government and Crown Commercial Services.
How our objective will be met
Seek opportunities to collaborate with neighbouring local authorities and other public sector bodies as well as continuing to engage with Scottish Government procurement, Crown Commercial Services and Scotland Excel.
Progress – Business as usual. Meet with the other Ayrshire Councils quarterly and discuss collaboration opportunities.
Continue to use and rationalise existing collaborative frameworks to obtain further savings through mini competitions, rationalising products, using alternative products, and maximising rebates.
Progress – Business as usual. Savings delivered from progressing multiple mini competitions against frameworks (£458,479.67) and rebates are paid via multiple frameworks, including a substantial rebate for P-Card spend (Approximately £160,000).
Objective
Work with the Procurement Board and internal service teams to maximise savings from national frameworks, through product rationalisation, taking advantage of rebates and utilising the best quality supplier(s) at the optimal price.
How our objective will be met
Discuss saving opportunities at the Procurement Board.
Progress – The Procurement Board meet quarterly, and savings are a standing agenda item. The service teams discuss ideas for savings and savings proposed and realised by the Scotland Excel’s Savings Team are also discussed.
Objective
Train all Corporate Procurement Unit staff in commercial acumen.
How our objective will be met
Carry out regular commercial acumen workshops so officers involved in procurement understand their responsibility to deliver best value and are open to carrying out thorough market research, benchmarking, utilising indexation tools, negotiating, developing specifications, and robustly managing contracts and suppliers.
Progress - Carried out annually for all CPU staff.
Objective
Manage price increase requests and other negotiations.
How our objective will be met
Carry out benchmarking exercises and utilise indexation tools and reports to understand market prices and negotiate price increase requests and post tender negotiations accordingly.
Progress – Business as usual - £51,888.00 of savings generated from post tender negotiation.
Objective
Monitor, report, and work with service teams to rectify non-compliant spend.
How our objective will be met
Provide Standing Orders Relating to Contracts training via e-Learning and recorded procurement training to all individuals involved in procurement activities across North Ayrshire Council.
Progress – Business as usual.
Identify non-compliant spend to target spend that may be influenced by a competitive procurement exercise.
Progress – non-compliant spend is monitored daily and reviewed quarterly. It has decreased by £8,518.94 since 2024 to 2025.
Report non-compliant spend to the Procurement Board.
Progress - Reported quarterly and all Heads of Service and Senior Managers are notified.
Objective
All North Ayrshire Council officers to adhere to a Contract and Supplier Management Policy to ensure the maximum economic and social value is continually driven from every contract.
How our objective will be met
To manage all contracts in line with the Contract and Supplier Management Policy and encourage all devolved contract and supplier mangers to do the same.
Progress – The CSM Policy has been implemented, and a supplier performance dashboard collates performance data at pre-agreed frequencies utilising balanced score cards. This provides a comprehensive overview of supplier performance accessible to all senior managers.
Objective
Ensure that all external expenditure is procured sustainably, whilst encouraging and influencing our suppliers, contractors, and service providers to do the same.
How our objective will be met
Ensure compliance with environmental law by issuing terms and conditions for all contracts.
Progress – Business as usual.
Request appropriate certification in relevant contracts to meet specific environmental standards.
Progress – ISO140001 or equivalent polices requested for all appropriate contracts.
Objective
Support North Ayrshire Council’s drive to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 by ensuring that every contract strategy takes account of the potential impact on the environment and identifies ways in which the impact can be reduced utilising the sustainable procurement tools.
How our objective will be met
Ensure all contract strategies consider socio economic and environmental impact and how this can be reduced utilising the sustainable procurement tools.
Progress – Business as usual. Sustainable Procurement Tools are utilised for all procurement over £50k for supplies and services and over £500k for works.
Apply relevant and proportionate selection and award criteria to ensure that environmental impacts are considered appropriately in procurement exercises.
Progress – Business as usual for appropriate procurements.
Consider climate and circular economy considerations at the early buyer engagement stage and include relevant requirements in the specification.
Progress – An Early buyer engagement process is in place and is utilised for large multiple contract projects. Consideration of climate and circular economy is part of this process. This has been completed for all Ayrshire Growth Deal projects and other appropriate projects.
Objective
Collaborate with service teams to implement, monitor, and report actions to reduce climate impact and maximise circular economy opportunities.
How our objective will be met
Complete FNT2030 templates with service teams to monitor and report progress against actions to reduce climate impact for relevant categories of spend.
Progress - FNT2030 templates are completed and monitored with the Transport, ICT, Waste, Energy and Sustainability and Building Services Teams.
Create climate and circular economy case studies in collaboration with service teams and share best practice.
Progress – case studies have been developed for:
- HVO Fuel
- NAC/5189 Measured Term Contract for Replacement Central Heating and Electrical Re-Wiring Programme
- NAC/MC/5170 Supply and Installation of Solar PV Installations on 5 North Ayrshire Council Properties
See Appendix C document.
Manage and monitor the Corporate Procurement Unit’s net-zero roadmap, aligned with the Sustainable North Ayrshire 2024-2027 roadmap to demonstrate how the Corporate Procurement Unit are supporting North Ayrshire Council’s net-zero journey.
Progress - Reviewed annually in consultation with the Sustainability team and included in the Procurement Strategy (updated December 2025).
Report all actions to reduce the impact of climate within our annual procurement report.
Progress – Procurement activity and energy efficient contracts awarded reported annually (see Section 7 of the report).
Objective
To create employment in North Ayrshire through community benefit clauses.
How our objective will be met
Monitor and report on delivery of employment through community benefit clauses included in procurement exercises.
Progress - Monitored every 6 months or more frequent by the Community Benefit Officer and reported annually in the annual report (see section 5).
Objective
Ensure all contracts promote the payment of the real living wage and fair working practices (including equality) for all employees engaged in the delivery of North Ayrshire Council contracts.
How our objective will be met
Encourage fair work practices and payment of real living wage in all relevant contracts and score as part of the quality evaluation where appropriate.
Progress – Business as usual.
Refer all suppliers who are not living wage accredited or do not pay living wage to all suitable staff to the Fair Work Ayrshire Team to enable them to encourage payment/accreditation status.
Progress – Business as usual.
Objective
Ensure prompt payment to suppliers and sub-contractors.
How our objective will be met
Aim to pay all suppliers within 30 days of receipt of an accurate invoice and encourage prompt payment to sub-contractors (within 30 days), using the appropriate terms and conditions and addressing via the pre-qualification and Contract and Supplier Management process.
Progress – Business as usual (see annex D for percentage of North Ayrshire Council suppliers paid within 30 days).
Objective
To eliminate modern slavery from all North Ayrshire Council supply chains.
How our objective will be met
Include mandatory agreement to North Ayrshire Council’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking code of conduct in all procurement exercises.
Progress – Business as usual.
Ask all bidders to sign a declaration to say they have taken relevant measures to ensure the supply chains are slavery proof.
Progress – Business as usual.
Publish Modern Slavey and Human Trafficking whistle blowing process on North Ayrshire Council’s external website.
Progress – Business as usual.
Objective
Identify and mitigate the risks associated with serious and organised crime.
How our objective will be met
Adhere to the Police Scotland Protocol regarding serious organised crime, sharing prospective bidders and responding to concerns from Police Scotland.
Progress – Business as usual.
Objective
Ensure that all external expenditure is procured, fairly, and ethically whilst encouraging and influencing our suppliers, contractors, and service providers to do the same.
How our objective will be met
Request appropriate certification in relevant contracts to meet specific, social standards such as Fair Trade.
Progress – Business as usual.
Objective
Ensure all staff are trained in supply chain ethics.
How our objective will be met
Complete CIPS ethical supply chain training.
Progress – Completed annually by all procurement staff (recorded as continuous professional development).
Objective
Understand and promote community wealth building.
How our objective will be met
Develop the corporate culture and status of procurement as a key feature of community wealth building.
Progress – liaise with Business Support and Development Team and other service teams to encourage participation of local suppliers in procurement exercises. Over £4 million of quick quotes were awarded in 2025 to 2026.
Created a local supplier database and a local sub-contracting process to encourage local spend. Currently 168 local suppliers on the database.
Senior Manager (Corporate Procurement) attends Community Wealth Building Working Group.
Progress – Attend bi-monthly meetings and report local spend and local contract awards and any other procurement initiatives to increase local spend.
Participate in the CWB Procurement Lead Officers Group to optimise community wealth building.
Progress - As required. No meetings held in 2025 to 2026.
Objective
Improve engagement with local suppliers, social enterprises, and supported businesses to promote opportunities.
How our objective will be met
Carry out early supplier engagement to encourage local bidders, social enterprises and supported businesses to bid for future contract opportunities where appropriate.
Progress – Early supplier engagement questionnaires are issued to suppliers for appropriate procurements and early supplier engagement meetings are progressed, as appropriate.
Maintain a published contract register and report on future procurement projects over the next 2 years within the Annual Procurement Report to enable local Small and Medium Enterprises, Third Sector Organisations and Supported Businesses to have future visibility and be able to prepare to bid for future contracts.
Progress – Business as usual.
Consider involvement of local Small and Medium Enterprises, Third Sector Organisations and Supported Businesses at the early buyer engagement stage.
Progress – consider use of lots and bidders’ days as appropriate.
Objective
Optimise use of procurement processes to award more contracts to local suppliers.
How our objective will be met
Consider sub-dividing tenders into lots, giving cognisance to accessibility of contracts for local Small and Medium Enterprises, Third Sector Organisations and Supported Businesses.
Progress – Business as usual.
Objective
Collaborate with North Ayrshire Council’s Business Support and Development Team to grow local capability and capacity and to promote innovation.
How our objective will be met
Work with North Ayrshire Council’s Business Support and Development Team to maximise local supplier participation in the Quick Quote and other procurement processes.
Progress – Request local supplier referrals from the Business Support and Development Team for appropriate quick quotes. Over £4 million of quick quotes were awarded in 2025 to 2026.
Work with the Business Support and Development Team to fully understand our local businesses and their capability and capacity to supply.
Progress – Created local business database to understand what the businesses can deliver, their experience, accreditations, turnover, insurance held etc (168 local suppliers on the database).
5. Community Benefit Summary
A summary of community benefits delivered is detailed for the period of the report in Table 4 Community Benefits Delivered below.
North Ayrshire Council has a strong track record in delivering social and environmental benefits through its procurement activity. Community benefit clauses provide a means of achieving sustainability in public contracts.
Community benefit requirements are detailed in North Ayrshire Council’s Community Benefit Policy and are laid out in North Ayrshire Council’s Community Benefits Menu, which allocates points to community benefits based on the value of a contract. The menu is broken down into the following areas:
- Employment - unemployed person, modern apprentice, graduate apprentice and others.
- Employability and Skills - work experience, career and employability sessions and job fairs.
- Small and Medium Enterprises - one-to-one mentoring, encouraging Small and Medium Enterprise sustainability offerings.
- Third Sector Organisations – workshops.
- Education – work experience, school projects, career and employability sessions, attendance at school career events.
- Community Wish List - delivery of community and Third Sector requests for support from the North Ayrshire Council Community Benefit Wish List.
- Suppliers are also encouraged to sub-contract to Small and Medium Enterprises, Third Sector Organisations and Supported Businesses.
Community benefits are an important element of the sustainable procurement duty and the steps taken by North Ayrshire Council to include community benefit requirements demonstrates compliance with that duty.
The Act states community benefits must be considered for all procurements at or above £4 million in value. North Ayrshire Council requests community benefits for all procurements from £50,000 to £499,999 for supplies and services and £100,000 to £499,999 for works on a voluntary basis and for procurements above these values on a mandatory basis. This is a lower threshold, therefore achieves significantly more community benefits across wider contracts.
Table 3 below provides details of all community benefits delivered for contracts over £50,000 for supplies and services and over £100,000 for works, and not just regulated contracts.
| Community Benefits Delivered | Total |
|---|---|
| Total contracts awarded with community benefit requirements | 51 |
| Total contracts awarded over £4 million | 5 |
| Total contracts awarded over £4 million with community benefit requirements | 4 |
| Number of jobs filled by priority groups | 612 weeks (12 jobs) |
| Number of apprenticeships filled by priority groups | Priority 782 weeks (15 jobs) and Non-Priority 947 weeks (18 jobs) |
| Number of other jobs filled | 1137 weeks (22 jobs) |
| Number of work placements for priority groups | 11 |
| Number of SME workshops | 0 |
| Number of TSO workshops | 1 |
| Number of school projects | 8 |
| Number of community projects/support for community groups | 28 |
| Number of wish list projects delivered | 54 |
| Other community benefit delivered | 21 career fairs (schools) |
| Other community benefit delivered | 23 job fairs |
| Other community benefit delivered | 8 employability session |
| Other community benefit delivered | 21 employability session (schools) |
| Other community benefits delivered | 8 school work experience |
Scotland Excel also reports community benefits that have been delivered because of North Ayrshire Council spend through direct awards and mini competitions via Scotland Excel Frameworks. These community benefits are not included in this report.
6. Supported Business Summary
A summary of the steps taken to facilitate the involvement of supported businesses in regulated procurements during the year covered by the report are noted below.
- Reserving contracts to supported businesses is considered when the contract strategy is being developed and is applied, if applicable.
- The Scottish Government Requirements Reserved For Supported Business Dynamic Purchasing System is published on North Ayrshire Council’s intranet site to encourage spend through the framework, where appropriate.
The total spend with supported businesses for the period covered by the Annual Procurement Report was £451,910.82, which was an increase of £692.68 from the previous year.
This spend relates to spend with 5 supported businesses and includes kitchen unit materials, sanitary products, IT disposal, signage and remembrance wreaths and poppies.
7. Climate Change and Sustainable Procurement
Tackling Climate Change
North Ayrshire Council declared its own Climate Emergency on 11 June 2019, committing to act on climate change. The Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2023-2027 has been developed to support the delivery of North Ayrshire Council’s priorities and continues to work towards a sustainable environment. The Procurement Strategy strategic objective to:
Quote: tackle climate change and embrace a circular economy on our net-zero journey
Quote from: Procurement Strategy strategic objective
Supports the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy by utilising the Scottish Government sustainable procurement tools to ensure climate change and sustainable procurement is addressed in all procurement exercises.
Sustainable Procurement Tools
The tools utilised include:
- Flexible framework assessment tool,
- Prioritisation tool,
- Life cycle impact mapping,
- Sustainability test,
- Climate literacy training eLearning.
Selection and Award Criteria
Selection and award criteria aimed at reducing climate change impact is also included in all relevant procurements.
Climate Change Steering Group
The Climate Change Steering Group is chaired by North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet member for Economy and Climate Change for North Ayrshire Council and other group members include North Ayrshire Council representatives and representatives from Ayrshire College, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, KA Leisure, Community Groups, Industry Sectors, and youth representatives.
The remit of the groups is to:
- Act as a sounding board and critical friend to support and challenge the implementation of the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy,
- Bring ideas, lessons learned and best practice from elsewhere in the UK and internationally around climate change mitigation and adaption,
- Advise on approach to achieving net zero carbon by 2030,
- Contribute wider policy knowledge on the sustainability and climate change agenda,
- Promote North Ayrshire’s actions on climate change,
- Contribute to the review and refresh of the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy as required.
Sustainability Case Studies
The Corporate Procurement Unit created three sustainability case studies (contracts listed below) in collaboration with the relevant internal service teams. A case study for HVO Fuel was published on the Sustainable Procurement Tools website and the other three case studies listed below are detailed in Appendix 3.
- NAC/5189 Measured Term Contract for Replacement Central Heating and Electrical Re-Wiring Programme
- NAC/MC/5170 Supply and Installation of Solar PV Installations on 5 x North Ayrshire Council Properties
Net-Zero Road Map
The Corporate Procurement Unit are also maintaining a net-zero roadmap in collaboration with the appropriate service teams leads, that aligns with the Sustainable North Ayrshire net-zero road map. The road map demonstrates how the Corporate Procurement Unit supports North Ayrshire Council to achieve its net-zero ambitions.
FNT2030 Templates
The Corporate Procurement Unit has also completed and are monitoring five FNT2030 templates in collaboration with the Waste (including Streetscene), Transport, ICT, Energy and Sustainability and Building Services Teams, that demonstrate and monitor how each category of spend will achieve its net-zero ambitions by 2030.
Climate Change Reduction Contracts Awarded
The contracts detailed below in Table 4 were awarded during the Annual Procurement Report year. These projects support reduction of climate change impact and sustainable procurement and are a mixture of regulated and non-regulated procurements:
| Contract Reference | Contract Title |
|---|---|
| NAC/5187 | Measured Term Contract for Water Quality Management Services |
| NAC/DA/5078(2) | Construction of Ardrossan Community Campus |
| NAC/DA/5104 | Electric Vehicle Workplace Charging Equipment and Associated Products |
| NAC/5212 | Supply and Delivery of LED Lanterns, North Ayrshire |
| NAC/5204 | Mill Burn, Millport Flood Protection Scheme |
| NAC/STA/5322 | Recovery, Reuse and Recycling of Bulky Household Waste |
| NAC/MC/5170 | Supply and Installation of Solar PV Installations on 5 NAC properties |
| NAC/QQ/5382 | The Assessment of the Viability at Two Historic Landfill Sites to Capture Landfill Gas |
| NAC/QQ/5384 | Replacement of Existing Building Management System in North Ayrshire Schools - Lot 1 – Woodlands Primary School |
| NAC/QQ/5384 | Replacement of Existing Building Management System in North Ayrshire Schools - Lot 2 - Castlepark Primary School |
| NAC/QQ/5384 | Replacement of Existing Building Management System in North Ayrshire Schools - Lot 3 - Glencairn Primary School |
| NAC/MC/5174 | Treatment of Post-Consumer Mixed Plastics, Beverage Cartons (Cardboard Lined cartons) Cans & Glass containers |
| NAC/MC/5187 | Installation of 30 Solar PV and Battery Storage Systems – Isle of Cumbrae |
Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements)
North Ayrshire Council also complies with the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2015 which requires Public Sector Bodies to publish annual climate change reports. The report for 2024/2025 was submitted in November 2025.
The Corporate Procurement Unit contributes to compliance with climate change duties by procuring and awarding contracts that reduce climate change impact, using sustainable procurement tools (detailed above) and including appropriate selection and award criteria in relevant procurements.
The Corporate Procurement Unit has also completed the activities noted below within the report period:
- Attended the Energy Strategy Workshop with the Energy and Sustainability Team to contribute towards the development of North Ayrshire Council’s new Renewable Energy strategy.
- Participated in the annual Climate Change Assessment Tool Assessment for the Procurement Section which is incorporated within the annual Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report.
- Attended the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Reporting Consultation with the Energy and Sustainability Team in relation to up and coming legislation and guidance changes.
- Participated in the annual Climate Adaptation Capability Framework Assessment to demonstrate how Procurement helps reduce the impacts of climate change.
8. Continuous Improvement
North Ayrshire Council’s Corporate Procurement Unit continually assesses processes, policies and other documents, to identify lessons learned and consider ongoing improvement activity in relevant areas. The Senior Manager (Corporate Procurement) and the Procurement Operations Manager review all documents and processes at least once a year and make amendments as appropriate. Numerous documents/processes were amended during the reporting year 25-26, to increase efficiency.
Suggestions for improvement are also a standing agenda item at monthly Corporate Procurement Unit meetings and quarterly Procurement Board meetings, and post projects reviews are completed for all procurement exercises undertaken. Lessons learned from procurement exercises and contract management are recorded and remedial action is taken for future procurements to ensure continuous improvement.
A Procurement Improvement Action Plan is also utilised and the plan outlines business as usual improvement activities. This plan is reviewed every 6 months.
A continuous improvement log is maintained to record details of all improvements implemented and the impact of the changes.
9. Commercial Activity (Savings/Income)
North Ayrshire Council’s Corporate Procurement Unit maintains a savings and income log to record savings/income generated from various commercial activities. Details of savings/income in the year 24/25 are detailed in table 6 below.
| Commercial Activity | Savings/income value |
|---|---|
| Negotiations | £53,705.60 |
| Demand management | £165,759.84 |
| Cost avoidance | £49,576.48 |
| Competitive procurement savings (award against budget) | £6,806,388.23 |
| Framework rationalisation (analysis or mini competitions) | £458,479.67 |
| Income from projects (advertising on roundabouts and vehicles) | £105,631.00 |
| Amazon business account savings | £5,642.86 |
| Income from Framework/contract rebates | £133,326.21 |
| Total | £7,778,509.89 |
North Ayrshire Council also investigated all saving proposals put forward from Scotland Excel’s savings team. During the period covered by the report, North Ayrshire Council secured a £37,929.00 saving from participating in an aggregated Payment Acceptance contract by obtaining a reduction in transaction charges.
10. Future Regulated Procurement Summary
A forward plan of anticipated regulated procurements North Ayrshire Council expects to commence in the next two financial years are included in Appendix B.
53 contracts are expected to be awarded with an estimated approximate value of £208,391,820.33.
This information gives suppliers notice of future opportunities in the next two years.
37 Frameworks call-offs are also expected with an estimated value of £71,562,172.75 if value for money is demonstrated.
Acting in a transparent and proportionate manner is an effective way for North Ayrshire Council to encourage competition and achieve better value for money in its procurements. It also promotes wider participation in the public procurement process.
Appendix A Regulated Procurement Summary
Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement
Contract reference
NAC/5198
Contract description
Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement
Company name
Bradshaw Nursery Limited Trading as Bradshaw Early Years Centre
Bright Beginnings Early Years Centre
Busy Bees Nursery
Childcare Scotland Properties Limited Trading as Burnside House Nursery
Childcare Scotland Properties Limited Trading as Summerlea House Nursery
Collin Care Limited Trading as Treetops Too
Collin Care Limited Trading as Treetops Nursery
Douglas Park Nursery
First Steps (Nursery Schools) Limited Trading as First Steps Nursery
Playtime Early Years Trading as Playtime Early Years (an SCIO)
Rainbow Cottage Nursery Limited Trading as Rainbow Childcare
The Kids Village Limited Trading as The Kids Village Nursery
The Yellow Brick Road Group Limited Trading as The Yellow Brick Road Early Years Centre
West Kilbride Village Nursery Trading as West Kilbride Early Years Centre
Whitehirst Park Private Nursery
ZAAM Childcare (Irvine) Limited Trading as The Owl & Pussycat Nursery
Andrea Rankin Trading as Andrea's Childcare
Angela Banks Trading as Little Bundles of Joy
Angela Bilham Trading as Angela Bilham Childminding
Ann Montgomery Trading as Ann Montgomery Childminding
Beth Malcolm Childminding Service
Charlene Potts Trading as Charlene Potts Childminding
Daisydots Childminding
Deborah Johnston
Debra Ann Rintoul Trading as Debra Rintoul Childminding
Denise Murray Trading as Denise's Childcare
Donna Smith Childminding Services
Elizabeth-Ann Craig Childminder - no longer a Funded Provider 16.01.26
Emma Blair Trading as Emma Blair’s Childcare
Fiona Burns Trading as Fiona Burns Childminding
Fiona Robin Childminding
Geraldine Barr Childminding
Heather's Hungry Caterpillars Childminding Service
Jacqueline McInally Childminding
Jane Cairnie Childcare
Jennifer Gilluley Trading as Jenni Gilluley Childminding
Jenny's Childminding
Julie Blakely
K & A Childminding
Karen Hunter Trading as Karen's Childminding
Karen Ronald Childminding
Katey's Childminding Service
Kathleen Wilson Trading as Cathies Place Kathleen's Childminding Services
Laura Jayne Reid
Leeann McNeil Childminding
Lesley's Childminding Services
Linda Chisholm Childminding Service
Logi Bears Childcare
Lynne Mustoo Childminding Services
Marina Stewart Trading as Marinas Tiny Tot’s
Mary-Anne Gemmell
Michelle Burns Trading as Playdayz Childminding
Nicola Burns
Nikki's Childminding Services
Pamela Thomson Trading as Happy Faces Childminding
Rosalyn Williamson
Rosemeadow Childcare
Ruth Warwick
Shelley Coleman Childminder
Shirley Mess
Shona Wilson Childminding
The Joy of Kids
Victoria's Childminding
Wilma's Childminding Service
Claire Taylor Childminding
Brenda Allan
Annabel's Childminding
Pauline Boyd
Town
North Ayrshire
Date of award
15 July 2025
Total contract value (£NET including extensions)
£24,500,000.00
Contract start date
1 August 2025
Original contract end date (excluding extensions)
31 July 2030
Contract end date (including max extensions)
31 July 2030
Appendix B Future Regulated Procurement Summary (April 2025 to March 2027)
North Ayrshire Employability Service Delivery Framework, Lot 1 Employability End-to-End Service
New, extended or re-let?
Retender
Estimated total contract Value £NET (including extensions)
£3,141,094.99
Expected notice date
7 February 2028
Expected award date
7 July 2028
Expected contract start date
7 August 2028
Appendix C Climate and Circular Economy Case Studies
NAC/5189 Measured Term Contract for Replacement Central Heating and Electrical Re-Wiring Programme
Contractor: McTear Contracts Ltd
Intended outcomes of the planned procurement?
To undertake and upgrade central heating and electrical rewiring installations to tenants of North Ayrshire to comply with Scottish Housing Quality Standards. Electrical re-wiring follows a 40-year cycle and central heating has a 15-year cycle.
How procurement went about establishing the relevance of climate benefits to the procurement?
This project was underpinned by the Housing Asset Management Plan (HAMP) 2023 - 2026. The HAMP outlines the priorities for the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the housing stock and is intended to assist the Council in achieving several of its key priorities, namely:
- Affordable, modern, and well-designed homes that meets residents’ needs.
- Vibrant, welcoming, and attractive places.
- A sustainable environment.
Sustainability Criteria for HAMP 2023 to 2026
| Sustainability Theme | Criteria | Supporting Evidence/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency & Emissions Reduction | Homes must be energy efficient and release fewer emissions; aligned with zero-emissions housing targets. | North Ayrshire LHS emphasises improving the quality of homes and ensuring they are energy efficient and emit less carbon. (Scottish Housing Regulator) |
| Affordable Warmth & Fuel Poverty Reduction | Ensure residents can access affordable warmth; investment in energy-efficiency measures to reduce fuel poverty. | LHS outlines “Affordable Warmth & Zero Emissions” as a core outcome. (Scottish Housing Regulator) |
| Net-Zero Carbon Targets | Council commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030; includes renewable energy deployment and carbon-reduction actions. | Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024 to 2027 sets the pathway to net zero by 2030. |
| Investment Prioritisation Based on Sustainability | Asset investment decisions prioritise projects improving quality, sustainability, and energy performance. | NAC’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan includes sustainability-linked investment priorities. (North Lanarkshire Council) |
| Long-Term Condition & Asset Viability | Homes must remain fit for purpose, well-maintained, and viable over the long term. | LHS focuses on improving the quality of homes to ensure long-term sustainability. (Scottish Housing Regulator) |
| Climate Resilience & Environmental Sustainability | Align with Housing to 2040, biodiversity protection, renewable energy use, and climate-adaptation principles. | LHS references Housing to 2040 sustainability aims; council climate plan focuses on carbon reduction and biodiversity. (Scottish Housing Regulator) |
| Social Sustainability & Community Wellbeing | Homes must support thriving, inclusive communities; locality-based planning to meet demographic and spatial needs. | LHS outcome “More homes at the heart of great places” supports socially sustainable communities. (Scottish Housing Regulator) |
| Reducing Household Energy Costs | Deliver energy-efficiency improvements and provide support to reduce utility costs for households. | Climate strategy highlights measures reducing energy bills, including access to ECO funding and advice programmes. |
| Maintenance & Lifecycle Planning | Planned improvements must ensure long-term asset value, minimise future repair burdens, and support sustainable tenancies. | LHS includes improving housing quality and condition as core strategic outcomes. (Scottish Housing Regulator) |
| Compliance With National Standards | Meet or exceed national housing standards (e.g., energy, quality, safety requirements) consistent with LHS and Housing to 2040. | LHS states compliance with national policy and legislation guiding local housing actions. (Scottish Housing Regulator) |
Environmental questions included in the supplier selection and award stage?
All contractors were also asked to confirm adherence to the specification and SBCC Measured Term Contract for use in Scotland. The successful bidder was required to provide a completed copy of the Bidder ‘Priority Contract’ Climate Change Plan Template, including the bidder’s calculated scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions and their planned projects and actions to reduce their carbon emissions.
Climate/environmental requirements included in the contract specification?
As the products to be installed consume both gas and electricity to operate, energy efficient materials were stipulated within the specification. In addition, as this contract involves wastage in the form of old boilers components and copper pipework which would need to be taken off site and recycled for scrap metal, a robust clause was included into the specification outlining bidders’ requirements for recycling of old materials.
How climate/environmental requirements will be monitored throughout the lifetime of the contract?
North Ayrshire Council will monitor the climate/environmental requirements via contract performance measures including KPIs to monitor carbon emissions and investigate ways to reduce emissions.
What the bidder proposes to do to meet the specification’s climate/environmental requirements?
Bidders agreed to comply with the following which were included in the specification:
- Government Buying Standard for Central Heating Systems (Energy Efficiency) and must meet the Central Heating Systems Specifications (CHeSS) 2008 HR8 or HC8 criteria.
- Government Buying Standards for Domestic Gas Boilers (Energy Efficiency) - For Natural Gas Boilers and must have an Energy Efficient Rating of 88% based on SEDBUK (2009) or 90% based on SEDBUK (2005) or better under the scheme for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)/Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK.
- Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Results of including climate benefit in the procurement process?
Less Fuel Consumption - Modern boilers are designed to convert a higher percentage of fuel into heat, meaning they need less gas or oil to provide the same amount of warmth.
Reduced Carbon Emissions - With less fuel being burned, there's a direct reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide and other pollutants released into the atmosphere.
Condensing Technology - Many modern units are condensing boilers that use special heat exchangers to capture heat from exhaust gases, preventing it from escaping and increasing efficiency even further.
How the inclusion of these will deliver social/economic/environmental benefits to individuals/communities/Scotland?
Community benefits were included as a mandatory requirement, and the following will be delivered:
Employment:
- 1 x Apprentice Heating Engineer for 5 years. • 1 x Apprentice Electrician for 5 years.
- 1 x Trainee Quantity Surveyor (part time) for 2 years.
Other:
- 5 x work experience for at least 2 weeks for a Working North Ayrshire client.
- 5 x work experience placement for North Ayrshire school pupils for at least 5 days.
Environmental Benefits
Improved Local Air Quality Reduced emissions of pollutants like NOx and sulphur dioxide contribute to cleaner, healthier air in neighbourhoods—benefiting residents, children, and older adults.
Enhanced Local Biodiversity
Cleaner emissions help protect surrounding wildlife and plant species. Modern boilers reduce harmful pollutants, supporting healthier ecosystems and even encouraging the return of displaced species.
Reduced Noise Pollution
Modern boilers are generally quieter, decreasing noise disturbances for residents and wildlife.
Community Energy Awareness & Climate Engagement
Boiler upgrade initiatives often include public education, encouraging broader participation in local sustainability efforts.
NAC also assessed and scored bidders on their approach to fair work practice, and the contractor pays the Real Living Wage to all employees. The contractor’s response included current and planned actions that show how they will embed these practices during the lifetime of this contract. The response also described how they would report on, and demonstrate progress, to North Ayrshire Council during the lifetime of the contract.
How the inclusion of climate benefit strengthened the overarching project goals?
Support North Ayrshire Council’s journey to become net-zero by 2030. Modern condensing boilers are highly energy-efficient (90%+ efficiency), meaning lower energy consumption and reduced heating bills. Additionally, integration with smart thermostats and smart heating controls can further optimize energy use, increasing overall efficiency.
NAC/MC/5170 Supply and Installation of Solar PV Installations on 5 x North Ayrshire Council Properties
Contractor: MP Group Limited
Intended outcomes of the planned procurement?
To appoint a suitably qualified contractor to supply and install solar PV installations on the following properties:
- Arran Outdoor Education Centre, Lamlash, KA27 8LB
- Abbeycroft Children’s House, Pennyburn Road, Kilwinning, KA13 6LF
- Achnamara Children’s Unit, Nelson Road, Saltcoats, KA12 5RF
- Canmore House, Redstone Avenue, Kilwinning, KA13 7JQ
- The Meadows Children’s House, James Crescent, Irvine, KA12 0UL
How procurement engaged with the market prior to the procurement process and how this helped embed sustainability?
The buildings were identified via a feasibility study due to their high electricity usage, and due to the type of building being suitable for solar panels.
Expressions of interest were sought from contractors on the Scotland Excel Energy Efficient Contractors Framework (SXL 13-20) – Lot 4 Renewable and Energy Storage Measures, sub-lot 4.1 Solar PV.
This allowed a quick and compliant route to market and demonstrated competition in the market to promote value for money.
How procurement went about establishing the relevance of climate benefits to the procurement?
North Ayrshire Council completed Life Cycle Impact Mapping and a Sustainability Test to embed relevant and proportionate sustainability requirements into the contract. The project was also strongly aligned with North Ayrshire Council’s Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy, due to the following objectives:
- It contributed directly to the council’s decarbonisation and net zero targets. By installing Solar PV on five additional council properties, the project: reduces direct emissions from council buildings, lowers grid electricity consumption, moves more of the council’s estate toward carbon-neutral operation. This directly supports the Strategy’s decarbonisation priorities.
- It reinforced the Strategy’s priority of expanding renewable energy infrastructure. By installing Solar PV on operational buildings, the new project continues this approach by: Increasing local renewable energy generation capacity, Reducing reliance on external supply, Diversifying the council’s renewable energy portfolio (farms + building-mounted PV). This aligns with the Strategy’s goal of embedding renewables across the region wherever viable.
- It ongoing helps to deliver environmental and climate resilience outcomes. Solar PV installations contribute to these goals by: Cutting CO₂ emissions associated with building operations, Supporting Scotland wide emissions targets through increased clean energy capacity, Creating long-term infrastructure that enhances local climate resilience. This directly supports the “climate ambition” section of the Strategy.
- It supports economic sustainability and reinvestment in the community. Installing solar PV on council buildings can deliver similar economic and community benefits by: Lowering long-term energy expenditure, Redirecting savings to essential public services, Supporting fairer energy use and improving local energy resilience. This aligns with the Strategy’s principle of using sustainability measures to strengthen local communities.
- It aligned with the council’s leadership role in climate action. By investing in solar on its own buildings, the council: Demonstrates visible leadership in the transition to renewable energy, Sets a precedent for local businesses, organisations, and residents, Builds momentum behind Net Zero 2030 commitments. This supports the Strategy’s leadership and partnership objectives.
Environmental questions included in the selection stage?
Scotland Excel assessed framework contractors at selection stage in relation to their carbon reduction and environmental impact.
This included their corporate approach to sustainability and how they promote recycling, reuse and reduce initiatives to minimise the impact of their activities on the environment and support the development of Scotland’s circular economy.
Climate/environmental requirements included in the contract specification?
The specification was robust and outlined the solar PV systems shall be designed for a 25-year lifecycle, therefore delivering ongoing cost reductions and protection against energy price volatility. Additionally, the specification detailed that the solar PV panels must be AIKO (or equivalent and approved). AIKO panels are premium and industry-leading efficient known for their innovative all Back Contact (ABC) technology and sleet design. Using AIKO panels with their superior efficiency means fewer panels are needed to deliver the same output, reducing material use, transport emissions and overall lifecycle impact. Their strong performance in varying light conditions ensures consistent renewable energy generation that supports long term decarbonisation and climate change mitigation.
How climate/environmental requirements will be monitored throughout the lifetime of the contract?
North Ayrshire Council will continually monitor the annual generation kWh, grid electricity independence and the future carbon savings, through:
- Maintenance of the solar panels which maximises use of energy from the modules which results in a reduction of carbon emissions.
- The monitoring systems which will help identify any potential issues with the solar panels which might affect continuity of energy provision.
What the bidder proposes to do to meet the specification’s climate/environmental requirements?
Within the Scotland Excel framework, contractors were asked to provide a method statement relating to Carbon Reduction and Environmental Impact.
The contractor committed to efficiently monitor and record the reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions, ensuring the fleet includes electrical vehicles/car sharing, bulk orders to reduce the number of deliveries required and minimise waste, using low noise generators to reduce noise pollution to neighbouring properties, utilising local businesses where possible and minimising on-site waste. Additionally, they will procure sustainable products and materials to contribute to the circular economy i.e. recycled roof tiles.
Results of including climate benefit in the procurement process?
The estimated annual generation from the solar PV installation for all the properties is 101,549kWh. This was estimated based on the consultant report and can be illustrated with practical examples:
- The average UK household electricity consumption is 2,900 kWh therefore this generation could supply around 35 average homes for the year.
- Considering the UK grid carbon factor, this is the equivalent of taking approximately 15 cars off the road for a year.
- Equivalent to planting 1,180 trees.
- Provide enough energy to power 2,030 LED bulbs for a year if used continuously.
- Approximately £30,464 per year in avoided electricity costs (average electricity costs - £0.30 per kWh).
4 out of 5 of these properties have over 45% grid electricity independence, which mean they can meet over 45% of the electricity demand from on-site generation rather than relying on electricity supplied from the national grid. Therefore, further supporting lower carbon emission, cost savings and reduced exposure to price fluctuations.
How the inclusion of these will deliver social/economic/environmental benefits to individuals/communities/Scotland?
The MP Group Limited is an accredited Living Wage Employer.
The supply and installation of Solar PV on five North Ayrshire Council properties delivers significant environmental benefits by generating clean, renewable electricity onsite, which directly reduces reliance on fossil fuel based grid energy and helps cut carbon emissions in line with the Council’s sustainability and net zero commitments. Additionally, producing renewable energy locally enhances energy resilience, reduces overall environmental impact associated with traditional electricity generation, and supports the transition to a more sustainable, low carbon future
Community benefits were included as a voluntary requirement, and the contractor has committed to deliver the following benefits over the duration of the contract:
- 1 x work experience for at least 2 weeks for a Working North Ayrshire client.
- 1 x implementing a curriculum related school project.
- 2 x community wish list projects.
How the inclusion of climate benefit strengthened the overarching project goals?
The project supports North Ayrshire Council’s journey to become net-zero by 2030 in several ways:
Reduction in Carbon Emissions
- Solar PV systems generate electricity from renewable sources, reducing reliance on grid electricity produced from fossil fuels.
- This significantly lowers the carbon footprint of North Ayrshire Council properties, contributing to the overall emissions reduction target.
Increased Renewable Energy Capacity
- Installing PV panels on multiple properties demonstrates a commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
- Solar PV reduces energy consumption from non-renewable sources, improving energy efficiency.
- Lower energy bills free up resources for further sustainability initiatives, creating a reinvestment cycle that supports net-zero goals.
Leadership and Community Impact
- By implementing solar PV across North Ayrshire Council properties, North Ayrshire Council sets an example for residents and businesses, encouraging wider adoption of renewable technologies.
- This supports community engagement and education around sustainability.
Compliance with National and Local Targets
- Scotland’s national target is net-zero by 2045, and North Ayrshire Council’s accelerated target of 2030 requires bold actions like renewable energy deployment.
- Solar PV installations are a tangible step toward meeting statutory and policy commitments.
Supports Future Decarbonisation
- Solar PV can integrate with other technologies (battery storage, EV charging) to create a low-carbon energy ecosystem.
- This future-proofs North Ayrshire Council assets against rising energy costs and carbon compliance requirements.
Properties - Estimated Annual kWH
| Properties - Estimated Annual kWH | Abbeycroft | Abbeycroft Achnamara | Canmore | The Meadows (estimate based on Canmore) | Arran Outdoor Centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated annual generation kWh | 17,339 | 15,222 | 15,598 | 15,598 | 37,792 |
| Grid electricity independence | 45.75% | 45.47% | 45.06% | 45.06% | 33.78% |
Appendix D Annual Procurement Report Template
a) Contracting Authority name: North Ayrshire Council
b) Period of the annual procurement report: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
c) Required by s18 Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 to prepare an annual procurement report? (Yes/No): Yes
a) Total number of regulated contracts awarded within the report period: 72
b) Total value of regulated contracts awarded within the report period: £189,493,424.55
c) Total number of unique suppliers awarded a place on a regulated contract awarded during the period: 140
i) how many of these unique suppliers are SMEs: 113
ii) how many of these unique suppliers are Third sector bodies: 10
a) Number of regulated contracts awarded within the period that complied with your Procurement Strategy: 72
b) Number of regulated contracts awarded within the period that did not comply with your Procurement Strategy: 0
Use of Community Benefit Requirements in Procurement:
a) Total Number of regulated contracts awarded with a value of £4 million or greater: 5
b) Total Number of regulated contracts awarded with a value of £4 million or greater that contain Community 4 Benefit Requirements: 4
c) Total Number of regulated contracts awarded with a value of less than £4 million that contain Community Benefit Requirements: 46
Key Contract Information on community benefit requirements imposed as part of a regulated procurement that were fulfilled during the period:
d) Number of Jobs Filled by Priority Groups (Each contracting authority sets its own priority groups): 12 (612 weeks)
e) Number of Apprenticeships Filled by Priority Groups: 15 (782 weeks)
f) Number of Work Placements for Priority Groups: 11
g) Number of Qualifications Achieved Through Training by Priority Groups: 15
h) Total Value of contracts sub-contracted to SMEs: Not recorded
i) Total Value of contracts sub-contracted to Social Enterprises: Not recorded
j) Total Value of contracts sub-contracted to Supported Businesses: Not recorded
k) Other community benefit(s) fulfilled: See section 5 of the report
a) Number of regulated contracts awarded during the period that included a Fair Work First criterion: 72
b) Number of unique suppliers who have committed to pay the real Living Wage in the delivery of a regulated contract awarded during the period: 138
c) Number of unique suppliers who are accredited Living Wage employers and were awarded a regulated contract during the period: 28
a) Number of valid invoices received during the reporting period: 101,704
b) Percentage of invoices paid on time during the period (“On time” means within the time period set out in the contract terms): 95.55%
c) Number of regulated contracts awarded during the period containing a contract term requiring the prompt payment of invoices in public contract supply chains: 17
d) Number of concerns raised by sub-contractors about the timely payment of invoices within the supply chain of public contracts: 0
a) Total number of regulated contracts awarded to supported businesses during the period: 0
b) Total spend with supported businesses during the period covered by the report: £451,910.82 including: i) spend within the reporting year on regulated contracts: £408,305.68
ii) spend within the reporting year on non-regulated contracts: £43,605.14
a) Total procurement spend for the period covered by the annual procurement report: £267,450,513.56
b) Total procurement spend with SMEs during the period covered by the annual procurement report: £150,227,504.85
c) Total procurement spend with third sector bodies during the period covered by the report: £41,253,510.13
d) Percentage of total procurement spend through collaborative contracts: 21.3 % - £56.98 million SXL 9.9% - £26.5 million SG 7.09% - 18.98m GCA 4.3% - £11.5 million
e) Total delivered cash savings for the period covered by the annual procurement report: £6,545,897.98
f) Total non-cash savings what value for the period covered by the annual procurement report: Not recorded
a) Total number of regulated procurements expected to commence in the next two financial years: 53
b) Total estimated value of regulated procurements expected to commence in the next two financial years: £208.391.820.33