Scotland Excel is one of four sectoral Centres of Expertise and was created to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of procurement across local government in Scotland. Its purpose is to provide local authorities and related organisations with a comprehensive, professional and customer-focused procurement service.

Established in response to the McLelland Report's recommendations on improving public sector procurement, its objectives are to:

• Secure significant cost reductions and increase the quality of service from suppliers through collaborative procurement initiatives;
• Improve best practice procurement capacity and capability across Scottish local government by developing a coaching, mentoring, training and development framework;
• Create a forum and communication medium for engaging with suppliers to deliver business benefits by fostering innovation and effective partnerships with key suppliers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) trade associations and other bodies.

Among the services offered to local authorities and their partners will be:

• Procurement support - dedicated teams of experts in specific commodity areas and contract negotiation will work with local authorities to help them understand their needs and establish appropriate contracts to meet them.
• Advice and support - ongoing support from the procurement team and helpline staff.
• Training - Scotland Excel is developing both generic and bespoke training, from ‘Introduction to Procurement' to advanced courses in strategic procurement.
• Best Practice - it is working with councils, professional bodies and other Centres of Expertise to develop and share best practice in procurement.

It is hoped that this new procurement organisation will help to establish the local government sector in Scotland as a major customer in its own right, with the strength to develop and strengthen markets, encourage sustainability and drive competition. Scotland Excel will be responsible for delivering contracts amongst other activities.

A Scotland Excel website has been launched which contains further information about the organisation, member lists, supplier information including contracts and frameworks and terms and conditions, plus a private members area which includes news, a catalogue and ‘shopping mall'. It can be accessed at www.scotland-excel.org.uk