Supply of Spring and Summer Bedding Plants

This procurement is being conducted as a reserved competition pursuant to the Local Government (Exclusion of Non Commercial Considerations) (England) Order 2026 ("the 2026 Order").

In accordance with the 2026 Order, East Lindsey District Council has elected to reserve this competition to suppliers that are based within the administrative area of Boston Borough Council or within the administrative areas of authorities that directly border East Lindsey District Council, namely:

• North East Lincolnshire
• West Lindsey District Council
• City of Lincoln
• Boston Borough Council

For the purposes of this procurement, a supplier will be considered "based within" the reserved area where it has substantive business operations within that area. Suppliers that do not meet this eligibility requirement will not be considered further in this procurement process.

The decision to reserve this below threshold procurement to a defined geographic area has been taken on a proportionate basis and is intended to support local market participation while continuing to secure value for money. This reservation is applied solely for the purposes of determining eligibility to participate and does not affect the Council's obligation to conduct the procurement in a fair, transparent and non discriminatory manner within the reserved supplier group.

Evidence of a supplier's substantive business presence within the reserved area may be requested during the procurement process. The Council reserves the right to verify eligibility at any stage.

Bedding plants are perishable and sensitive to transport time and handling. Sourcing from suppliers with substantive local operations reduces travel distances and time from cultivation to planting, helping to maintain plant quality and ensure seasonal planting programmes can be delivered without delay.

Reserving the procurement also supports the local horticultural market by encouraging participation from local suppliers, sustaining skills and employment, and promoting a resilient local supply base.

Shorter delivery distances are expected to reduce transport related emissions, supporting the Council's sustainability objectives while continuing to secure value for money.