Swindon Borough Council is committed to improving efficiency and reducing costs associated with the procurement process that will benefit both the Council and the supplier. We are currently working toward electronic trading (tendering, ordering and invoicing) and seek to work with like-minded Suppliers who can help deliver our e-commerce strategy.

As part of the Government's programme to modernise the way local Councils operate, and fulfil Promise 5 of Swindon 2010, Swindon Borough Council will be implementing a phased programme (during 2006) of eProcurement as our normal way of purchasing goods and services from our suppliers.

This new way of buying and paying invoices will benefit both the Council and the supplier. The new system will simplify ordering and reduce the paper flow, as well as significantly improving the efficiency of our payment processes.

What We Mean By 'eProcurement'

Basically eProcurement (electronic procurement) allows us to buy goods and services electronically.

Placing Orders

There will be two ways of placing orders:

Visa Purchasing Cards

These are being introduced for low-value (less than £500 per transaction), high-volume items. As a Visa Pcard merchant Swindon Borough Council approved suppliers will receive a cash settlement directly from their acquiring bank within four days of processing the transaction.

iProcurement

An electronic purchase-to-pay process will be used for all other transactions. Once accepted as an approved supplier you will receive orders electronically, either by e-mail or fax.  

As with all new processes there will be a transition stage. We are implementing a phased roll-out during 2006 which effectively means that not all departments will be at the same stage. So if you deal with more that one department within the Council you may still receive both paper and electronic orders.

What Suppliers Need To Do

Visa Purchasing Cards

Existing suppliers may be approached by the Council to join the Visa Purchasing Card programme. Your business will need to be able to accept and process VISA Purchasing Card transactions at level 2 or 3.

iProcurement

To become a registered supplier you will need to register your business details on the BuyWiltshire website.  Click on this link for further information