How we choose our suppliers

Find out how to win business with us and learn about the policies and procedures that you may have to comply with.

We buy a wide range of goods and services that we need as part of our everyday work. Therefore, we have to ensure that we obtain the best possible value for the money that we spend.

We also make sure that the legal requirements and responsibilities involved, including environmental information and maximising the ‘Suffolk pound’ when spending your money and entering into contracts are followed.

To get started, read about:

Register and create a unique identifier

From 1 April 2026, suppliers who are awarded a below-threshold contract must register on the Central Digital Platform. They must obtain a unique identifier as part of the contract award process.

This change is designed to make contract awards in the public sector more transparent.

Government have provided a guidance document for suppliers. This guide shows you how to register and create an identifier.

If you have registered before on the Central Digital Platform for a procurement, then you don't need to register again.

Key points:

  • it does not take long to register
  • you can still procure if you don't register (it is only needed by the successful bidder)
  • you don't need to complete the further supplier information steps if you have registered

Contact the Cabinet Office if you're having issues with registering.

Our policies and procedures

These guides will give you an idea of our approach to procurement, the rules we have to follow and the standards and policies we expect from our partners. Read about our tendering process for more information on how we evaluate tenders.

For further information, please visit the Suffolk Resilience Forum which offers advice and support to businesses.

Contact us

Call the procurement helpdesk on 01473 260266, available Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm and Friday, 9am to 4:30pm. Alternatively, you can email procurementbusinesssupport@suffolk.gov.uk