Small and local suppliers

The BBC encourages new sources of supply and innovation from all suppliers capable of and wishing to supply to us, and we select suppliers on the basis of their ability to provide on-going value for money. We support small organisations that may have potential to become key suppliers of the future and/or local suppliers where we have a local presence in the community.

The BBC has put in place a small and local suppliers policy, which sets out the parameters and circumstances through which small and local organisations can work with the BBC.

What is a small and local supplier?

A supplier is considered “Small” where the organisation has fewer than 50 employees and has an annual turnover (or balance sheet value), which is equal to or less than £10m (EU definition). A supplier is considered “Local” where the organisation’s operations are carried out within the same UK region as the procuring BBC office. In the case of a production on location, a “local” organisation will be one which operates in the UK region in which that production (or production office) is based.

A list of BBC offices and corresponding UK regions is attached at Appendix 1 of the Small and local suppliers policy.

Why have a small and local supplier policy?

Small and/or local suppliers can be a valuable and flexible source of supply for the BBC, offering not just value for money but sometimes a more tailored service catering for niche or discrete business/local needs. Amongst others, the policy will ensure that the BBC aligns buying from small and/or local suppliers to the objectives of the BBC’s national deals, complies with the obligations under the Public Contracts Regulations 2006, engages with organisations that support our corporate and social objectives and maintains fairness in, and transparency of, our buying decisions.

Under what circumstances would the BBC use small and local suppliers?

The BBC will use small and local suppliers where it makes sense to do so from a commercial perspective, i.e. these suppliers have the capability to meet our requirements whilst providing the best value for money. In all its Procurement activities, the BBC will also need to ensure it remains compliant with all relevant laws and legislation.

Aren’t small and local suppliers always at a disadvantage when competing for BBC contracts?

No. The BBC does not discriminate in favour of, or against, any particular group or type of suppliers, regardless of their location, size, or position in the market. We encourage new sources of supply and innovation from all suppliers capable of and wishing to supply the BBC, and select suppliers on the basis of their ability to demonstrably provide on-going value for money.

What are the benefits of small and local suppliers?

Small and local suppliers may be better placed to offer benefits such as a more responsive service;reduced need for transportation (and associated reduced carbon emissions); and more tailored solutions and supply arrangements.

Because of their size or flexibility of location/type of premises, they can have lower administrative costs when compared with a larger competitor, reducing the cost of overheads and consequently the overall cost of supply.

They may provide a particular product or service, for example local catering. Because of their emphasis on specialisms they will often be better placed to supply a higher quality product or service and to tailor their service to meet the BBC’s specific needs.

Small and/or local suppliers consistently contribute to development of local economies and have been identified by the Government as being key to the development of well-being within the regions of the UK.

As a small and local supplier, what do I need to do to work with the BBC?

Be aware of the BBC’s opportunities - check our opportunities on a regular basis. Providing you have the capability required by the BBC and you can meet requirements, ensure that you can put forward a competitive offer.

What if I have the capability but may not have the capacity to provide all that BBC requires?

You may consider bidding for one lot of requirements only if the procurement has been split into lots. You can also be a sub-contractor to a larger prime contractor. You can do this either during the procurement process, as a consortia arrangement, particularly where the requirement forms a part of a larger national contract or post the procurement process, for example where a national supplier is seeking to expand their local presence.