The Olympic Dam Training Department were looking for an alternative supplier, preferably a local vendor that could supply their monthly stationery order. They had noted the bigger competitors were not always providing the best possible cost and delivery options, and disappointingly didn’t support the local community.

BHP Buyers onsite are becoming increasingly aware of the Request For Quote option on the Local Buying Program portal. This purchasing tool allows buyers to investigate the capacity of local suppliers to deliver goods and services to site. Buyers can then use their ‘buying power’ to source locally from small businesses instead of the major retailers.

The Training Department utilised the LBP to create a Request for Quote Work Instruction to be released to local suppliers, some of which may not normally be known for supplying stationary and other office items like biscuits and coffee. This gave several suppliers, including Roxby Traders (Mitre10), the chance to submit a quote outside of their normal business scope. After the success of this engagement, Roxby Traders is supplying stationery to the Training Department more regularly.

Providing the stationary has given Roxby Traders the opportunity to diversify their business capability by adding goods outside of the usual variety available in a hardware store. It is a great example of how small, local businesses can think outside the box when supplying items to site.

“It’s been great working with the LBP, it has opened up opportunities for us to be able to supply products that many other hardware stores wouldn’t be able to stock or source and supply as requested. The LBP also makes it much fairer by giving multiple people the chance to quote at a competitive price. Friendly competition is always good.” Josh Hill – Roxby Traders.