Johnstone based, Strathclyde Tyres, collected the SME award for Cost Saving Excellence at the recent Supplier Excellence Awards held by Scotland Excel, the centre of procurement expertise for local government.

The company was recognised for its commitment to delivering the best possible value to councils using its services through Scotland Excel’s tyres framework.

By securing a new tyre brand which offers a quality product at a lower price, along with a damage replacement warranty, the company estimates that it is saving councils around 12 per cent per annum.

The Supplier Excellence Awards is the first programme of its kind in public procurement, and honours suppliers who demonstrate excellence through their participation in Scotland Excel’s national framework contracts which are worth nearly £700 million per annum.

Debbie Tracey, director at Strathclyde Tyres, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised for helping our local authority customers make the most of their budgets.

“The warranty we have secured is a real cost innovation for this sector and, as we handle all claims, there is no additional administration for councils.

“The business we receive through Scotland Excel’s framework has been a major factor in our growth, and our participation has been invaluable to us as a Scottish SME.” Councillor Mike Holmes, convener of Scotland Excel, added: “Strathclyde Tyres have gone the extra mile to deliver best value for councils across Scotland, particularly in respect of their damage warranty which was previously unheard of for tyre contracts of this size.

“Not only that, but their participation on Scotland Excel’s frameworks has helped to grow their business, secure jobs and provide an economic boost for Renfrewshire.” Meanwhile, The Good Shepherd Centre, which provides secure care places for children aged between 12 and 17, was highly commended in the Excellence in Innovation category.

The Bishopton based centre was commended for its innovative approach to developing a framework for identifying and measuring the wellbeing outcomes delivered for children in its care.

This was developed in consultation with young people, their parents and carers, staff and other stakeholders, and their views have informed the centre’s improvement priorities.

Audrey Baird, depute head of service at the Good Shepherd Centre said: “To be recognised by Scotland Excel in this way is a fantastic achievement and speaks volumes for the hard work and efforts of all of our staff.

“Our approach to continuous improvement has had a measurable impact on the quality of our service by allowing us to accurately assess the requirements of our young people and monitor their progress while in our care.” Another Renfrewshire success story was Kibble Education and Care Centre, a charity which provides services for vulnerable young people.

Kibble were successful in the Excellence in our Communities and Excellence in Innovation categories for their work in delivering secure care places for young people aged between 12 and 18.

Their holistic approach integrates wider community services, including education, employment and training services, to improve the life chances of the young people in their care.

James Gillespie, head of service – safe centre for Kibble said: “From the outset Kibble has always been a forward thinking organisation, continually striving to develop and adapt to meet the ever changing needs of the young people we serve.

“With deep roots in the local community, we are well aware of the importance of encouraging young people to actively engage and integrate with society.

“To have received not one, but two awards, is recognition of Kibble’s commitment to the young people we support on a daily basis and the continued dedication of our staff.” A judging panel of 17 procurement experts, elected members and industry representatives from across Scotland were involved in shortlisting the finalists.

A total of 61 entries were received from suppliers across the UK. Of these, 29 finalists were shortlisted to compete in seven award categories, which recognised both small to medium sized (SME) and large businesses.