Bruno Herbots writes in the Irish Times on the vexed issue of treading the fine line between the desire to support local and small businesses in public procurement and the obligation to procure fairly and transparently, treating all bidders equally.
The Social Value Act, various central government initiatives and the increasing trend for local authorities to take the initiative in engaging with local SMEs are all combining to sharpen the edge of this highly relevant debate.
It is an excellent piece and well worth the read.