The Progressive Alliance has welcomed the news that millions of pounds are being spent locally thanks to the Council’s More for MK procurement scheme, which has now marked the end of its first year.

More for MK was announced in July 2021 to consider how Milton Keynes Council and its partners can use MK-based businesses in procurement.

Since then, the Council’s procurement team has been actively engaging with key projects to promote the scheme. More for MK focusses on three commitments: being a real living wage employer, recognising the value in the social commissioning process, and supporting smaller local suppliers.

Some of the recent More for MK success stories include:

• Extension and adaptation of Fairfield Primary School – Wilmott Dixon spent £1.17m within 20 miles of the site, 90 hours were dedicated to supporting young people into work, and 100% of spend went to SMEs.
• Wilmott Dixon has estimated a £5.2m social return on investment from its work across MK.
• Construction of Wavendon Pavilion – Borras Construction asked learners from MK Snap to design and paint a section of the hoarding around the site. They also offered tours and talks to construction students at MK College, and pledged to donate any unused materials to local charities and MK College.
• Ringway has hired three apprentices and five graduates, and they will continue to invest in and support local people and local companies.

The Council is also ensuring that major projects, such as the Lakes Estate regeneration, include More for MK within their requirements – this ranges from carbon measures to apprenticeships and local employment.

Councillor Rob Middleton, Labour Progressive Alliance Cabinet Member for Resources, announced the scheme in 2021: 

“MK Council spends around £300m annually on buying products and commissioning services, and More for MK considers the positive impact that even a fraction of this can have on building social value and community wealth. I’m pleased that our partners are engaging with the scheme, and we have seen really positive progress in the past year. This is something that will only improve moving forward.”