London councils are to share a ‘one stop shop’ service for procurment, a move that could potentially help save millions of pounds. Initially the shared service will be used by councils, but later it will allow all public sector organisations in the capital to share services.

The shared services online portal ‘Procure4London’ was launched today. It will allow councils in London to share procurement information, contracts and best practice more easily than ever before. Sharing information in this way will reduce the time and money spent on lengthy, individual tendering procedures.

The single shared service portal also enables collaborative working and procurement in a manner that is currently not possible through any other online procurement and e-tendering systems used by London boroughs.

Procure4London will be a notice board for contracts across councils in London, currently there are over 5,900 contracts worth £8.8 billion across all London boroughs, and it will be free for suppliers to use and find out about available opportunities.

The shared services portal will also provide advice and support on the procurement process, making it easier for businesses to engage with the public sector.

The project is being funded by Capital Ambition, part of London Councils, which helps deliver efficiencies through pan-London working. The development of the portal is being led by Westminster city council and supported by other London boroughs, including the City of London, Greenwich, Hammersmith and Fulham, Havering and Lewisham.