Issue - meetings

Committee is asked to approve the adoption of this Commercial Strategy covering all Council commercial activity.

The Committee resolved to approve the adoption of the Commercial Strategy covering all Council commercial activity.

The Committee considered the adoption of a Commercial Strategy that would cover all Council commercial activity. The Commercial Strategy would provide a clear framework to strengthen financial resilience, embed commercial thinking across all services, and ensure the Council was fully prepared for transition to the new unitary authority in 2027. The strategy consolidated commercial, procurement, and governance expectations into a single approach focused on value for money, good governance compliance and public benefit.

Councillor Nichols suggested a minor amendment regarding direct awards and suggested any direct awards be signed off by the Chief Executive. This was agreed by the Committee.

The Committee noted how the strategy would be incorporated into future commercial activity and its ties to procurement and contract management.

The Committee resolved to approve the adoption of the Commercial Strategy covering all Council commercial activity.