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Mapping the spatial patterns of public procurement: A case study from a peripheral local authority in Northern England

Ignazio Cabras (Centre for Regional Economic Development, University of Cumbria, Carlisle, UK)

International Journal of Public Sector Management

ISSN: 0951-3558

Article publication date: 5 April 2011

1958

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate public procurement activity within the Cumbria County Council and its effects on the local supply chain. The paper seeks to identify the role of public procurement within the county, in relation to the propensity for income retention (or leakage) at local level. In addition, the paper seeks to consider issues related to public procurement in peripheral and rural areas, with particular reference to small and medium businesses operating in Cumbria, and to provide a spatial analysis of money flows at regional and national level.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data, from primary and secondary sources, were obtained from a survey questionnaire conducted among the Council's suppliers and from SpikesCavell, an agency specializing in collecting procurement data, respectively. The study focuses on public sector suppliers. It analyses suppliers' attributes and characteristics such as size, location and sector of activity are used in order to explore suppliers' patterns of spend in relation to inward and outward cash‐flows within the County. Additionally, the paper explores the effects of the local authority's procurement in terms of advantages/disadvantages for the local supply chain.

Findings

The paper highlights the ability of competitive tendering systems to achieve cash saving and reduce wastage; but questions whether the adoption of such systems in the public sector produces positive economic effects on the local supply chain in peripheral and remote areas.

Originality/value

There is a lack of research on the impact of public procurement at regional and sub‐regional level and its significance as a source of income and businesses operating within local supply chains. This paper seeks to contribute to filling this research gap by presenting and analysing data associated with procurement activity within a peripheral local authority.

Keywords

Citation

Cabras, I. (2011), "Mapping the spatial patterns of public procurement: A case study from a peripheral local authority in Northern England", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 187-205. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513551111121338

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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