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• 83% of respondents were aware of the Scottish Government’s commitment to achieving a Net Zero society.
• 60% of respondents said they have an existing policy to support a reduction in its carbon footprint, and 63% said they have an implementation plan to reduce its carbon footprint.
• 48% said that carbon reducing/reaching Net Zero targets is a priority right now in 2022 for its business.
• 38% said it is a priority in future business plans.
• 14% said Net Zero is not a business priority.

Some comments from suppliers included:

• “The good thing about the event was Fife Council had the people in the room who make the decisions on products used not just procurement. This means it helps with the council knowing what is available and suppliers actually know the best way forward.”
• “Good chance to talk to Buyers and also the procurement team at Fife Council.”
• “Overall, very good.”
• “Perhaps more opportunity to speak to representatives from the buyers/organisations with a stand after the morning presentations had concluded? I came out of the last session at 12.20 with some questions for those who had presented, unfortunately, most had packed up or were in the process of doing so and didn't have time for any meaningful discussion. Got what I went looking for but could have come away with more in hindsight. Well worth attending though, well done to all who organised.”

• 100% - Drive early engagement with SDP member organisations, through collaboration with procurement and economic development to increase the number and breadth of public sector contracts being accessible to the Scottish SME base.
• 86% - Raise the profile of SDP to be recognised and established as the primary tender training programme to support SMEs and third sector in Scotland.
• 100% - Extend SDP engagement with public sector procurement is open and transparent, despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 100% - Benefits SMEs as they can talk to the buyers from organisations who commission contracts and want to meet potential suppliers for their works and services.
• 100% - Demonstrate that public sector procurement is open and transparent, despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some comments from buyers included:

• “It’s useful to engage early with the supply chain to inform planning for future events.”
• “Having procurement and business support events increases local supply chains and makes local suppliers aware of opportunities and how to access them.”