Scottish Government procurement: annual report 2024 to 2025

2. Reporting Highlights

This section provides a high-level summary of the Scottish Government’s procurement activity and achievements over the reporting period. It highlights the contribution procurement has made to Scotland’s economy, communities and public services, and demonstrates how our work continues to align with the four national procurement outcomes.

2.1 Good for Businesses and their Employees

£9.5 billion

In 2024-2025, we managed 564 live contracts worth over £9.5 billion throughout their lifetimes, across all types of contracting activity.

£493 million

We awarded 138 new regulated contracts with a total lifetime value of over £493 million, across all types of contracting activity.

£168 million

Our contracts and frameworks delivered substantial financial benefits, saving the public sector over £168 million.

40.3%

Of the £489 million core Scottish Government spend with suppliers in reporting period, more than £197.5 million, representing 40.3%, went directly to SMEs, underlining their vital role in delivering goods and services for Scotland.

94.3%

We paid suppliers promptly, with 94.3% of valid invoices paid within 10 days and 98.6% within 30 days, ensuring businesses, particularly SMEs, receive cashflow support when they need it most.

We mandate payment of the real Living Wage where appropriate and proportionate, supporting fair and secure employment.

2.2 Good for Places and Communities

• Just over £240 million (49.1%) of the £489 million core Scottish Government spend in 2024–2025 was with suppliers based in Scotland.
• Of this, over £131 million (54.6% of Scottish spend) went to Scottish SMEs, strengthening local economies and supporting place-based resilience.
• Community benefits: 39 contracts included community benefits; 144 live contracts now carry benefits (value £2.6bn). This year suppliers delivered 807 jobs, 56 apprenticeships, 55 work placements, and 1,230 qualifications.

2.3 Good for Society

• Economic wellbeing: we used national policy, systems and tools to enable innovation (Scotland Innovates and CivTech) and strengthened Fair Work First Including payment of at least the real Living Wage where appropriate and proportionate).
• We provided rapid commercial advice, analysis and assurance to help directorates respond effectively to market disruption, supply-chain volatility and operational pressures, helping to maintain continuity of essential public services.
• Through national food and community focused contracts, we supported healthier, fairer and more sustainable public services that contribute directly to wellbeing and reduced inequalities.

2.4 Open and Connected

• Across Scotland, 11,837 new public sector business opportunities were advertised on PCS and 16,988 suppliers secured public sector contracts. Of these suppliers 12,830 were suppliers with a Scottish business address, 10,153 were registered on PCS as SMEs.
• We engaged directly with businesses, SMEs and the third sector through roundtables, workshops and the Procurement Supply Group (PSG)^[1], ensuring the supplier voice continues to shape public procurement policy and practice.