This week’s announcement was made after the council’s procurement and catering teams hosted a forum for potential suppliers in March, where they had the chance to discuss how to encourage local companies to bid for contracts which also meet the local authority’s needs.

Rather than using a national contract by default, the Argyll and Bute tender will be split into two separate product lots – one for fresh meat and another for fresh fish.

It will also be divided into nine geographical lots which will allow suppliers to submit a tender for one or more areas, or for the whole of Argyll and Bute if they choose.

Councillor Dick Walsh, council leader, said this new approach presents ‘a real opportunity’ for local companies to become council suppliers.

He added: “Breaking down the contract into smaller lots and creating a link between suppliers and education means that local businesses are genuinely able to compete with larger companies.

“I would encourage businesses to take part in this tender process so that Argyll and Bute can be covered by a range of suppliers.

“If this can’t be achieved, we would have to look at reverting to the national contract approach. There is a lot of help available to businesses to help them enhance their tendering skills.” The fresh meat and fresh fish tender is due to be published in May on the Public Contracts Scotland Portal www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk. Registration is free. For more information call Argyll and Bute Business Gateway on 01546 605459.