Businesses from across the Waipa district are set to benefit to the tune of $3 million following the establishment of Waipā District Council’s first trades services panel.
Council says the panel will see 93 local business eligible to pick up unplanned trade work. Last financial year, Council spent approximately $3m on this type of work.
It said the panel was established to help to manage costs and timeframes but also to support businesses that contributed to the local economy.
Procurement advisor Adele Bird said having agreed response time and hourly rates makes it easier for both suppliers and council to prioritise jobs, particularly urgent ones.
“We also wanted to get better visibility of labour rates, margins on materials, after-hours rates and mileage that we were being charged,” she said.
“It’s also important that Council are spending our budgets on suppliers who invest back into the Waipā economy, for example having staff living and shopping locally and participating in the community.”
Of the 114 businesses who applied to the panel, 93 were selected. Businesses were evaluated based on experience, skills, resources and their impact to the local economy, Ms Bird said.
Trade services covered by the panel include electrical, carpentry, fencing, painters, sign writers and glazing.
“We look forward to working with all the businesses on the panel, who are not only critical in helping us provide services to the community but also to supporting our local economy.”
The trade services panel will run until 31 July 2024.
