The body’s executive sub committee approved associate membership for seven organisations including Drumchapel Housing Cooperative Limited, Kendoon Housing Association, Kingsridge Cleddans Housing Association Limited, Cernach Housing Association and Pineview Housing Association. 

Added to its core member list of Scotland’s 32 councils – the procurement body is set to end this difficult year supporting a 136-strong list of members and associates.

The Paisley-based organisation has a portfolio of 72 contracts in place for members, valued at £2bn a year. This includes frameworks in construction, waste, roads, transport, social care, education, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and food.

Councillor John Shaw, convener of Scotland Excel, said: “Hitting 100 associate members is a significant milestone for Scotland Excel and shows how sought after the organisation’s collaborative frameworks and wider services are. Not only is Scotland Excel the national Centre of Procurement Expertise for local government – it is also the partner of choice for organisations across the country.

“The level of support offered to associate members this year has been significant and has responded to their needs during what’s been a very challenging time. Many new members joined after the COVID-19 pandemic began, meaning they could quickly and effectively source a range of goods and services through our national frameworks.”

Julie Welsh, chief executive of Scotland Excel, added: “This has been one of the most difficult years our members have faced, and it’s been our pleasure to support them in sourcing the items and services they need and enabling them to tap into other services - like our online learning and development programme, The Scotland Excel Academy.  

“Since April this year we have also been offering free, temporary associate membership to organisations across the country to support Scotland’s covid-19 response. I am delighted that 36 organisations made use of this – three of which have since joined us as full associates.

“We work hard to make sure our frameworks bring our members quality and efficiency, and I’m proud Scotland Excel will end 2020 working with more organisations than ever before, having exceeded 100 associate members. We look forward to continuing to support them with their recovery efforts into 2021 and beyond.”

Scotland Excel’s associate members include housing associations, leisure trusts, third sector organisations, charities, ALEOS, government agencies and transport bodies.