A company in Aberdeen and another in Lerwick have been included in a multi-million framework to provide furniture to local authorities, schools and nurseries.
Twenty one companies – including Aberdeen-based Langstane Press and Shetland-based GTS Central now have the opportunity to secure business through the framework.
Scotland Excel’s Supply and Delivery of Education and Office Furniture Framework is expected to be worth around £9million a year and will be in place for four years from 10 May 2017.
It will help councils source tables and chairs, storage, and dining furniture for schools; pre-5 furniture; as well as office furniture and full classroom and office kit outs.
Julie Welsh, director of Scotland Excel said: “This contract will give councils easy access to a range of businesses that can supply and deliver furniture for schools, offices and nurseries – ultimately an essential part of having high quality learning environments for children.
“The framework has a specific focus on pre-5 furniture to help councils respond to the Scottish Government’s early years investment and it can also support councils with new build programmes and refurbishments, with the option to purchase full fit outs for classrooms and offices.
“The contract also brings economic value as one supplier is micro, seven are SMEs – all of which now have the opportunity to secure business from the framework. I welcome the launch of this framework that will bring efficiencies and savings for councils.”
Sustainability is also a key factor within the contract as all timber provided must come from a sustainable source.
The estimated saving across the framework is 4.4% with prices fixed for the first 12 months.