SCOTLAND’S BRAVEST WINS PLACE ON MULTI-MILLION POUND CONTRACT

Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company has been awarded a place on a multi-million pound national contract that helps the country’s councils source road signs.

The four-year Scotland Excel framework for the supply and delivery of road signage materials has today been awarded to 11 suppliers, including Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company in Renfrewshire.

The organisation was launched at the start of this year to provide employment opportunities to Scottish Armed Forces veterans who need support and rehabilitation, enabling them to work and to develop independence.

All 11 suppliers are SMEs and now have an opportunity to secure a share of the framework’s business – estimated to be worth £5m over four years.
SBMC, run in collaboration with Erskine, offers crucial, flexible working employment to Scottish veterans – who are twice as likely to be unemployed as their civilian counterparts – to move them towards independence after their return to the civilian world.

As a socially-thriving, commercially competitive social enterprise, it produces bespoke, road and rail signs, specialist engineering cutting, circular economy products, and provide print, mail and fulfilment services – all areas which it has heavily invested in.

The Bishopton-based company’s most recent purchase is a Flow Corp high pressured waterjet – which uses Australian garnet abrasive to cut virtually any material up to 150mm thick to accuracies of 0.06mm.

Councillor John Shaw, Convener of Scotland Excel said: “I welcome the award of this framework which will help councils across the country source the road signage they need to keep their road networks operating safely and efficiently.

“This framework is good for business as the 11 suppliers are all SMEs – two of which are micro businesses, and it is also positive for councils as it will deliver savings and has secured fixed prices for a year.

“Being awarded a place on this framework is a great opportunity for the suppliers, which include Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company in Erskine - a social enterprise and a supported business.

“This framework has social responsibility at its core by giving councils the option to source quality products while at the same time helping people who face disadvantages, to gain meaningful employment.”

Michelle Ferguson, Director at Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company said: “We are delighted to join an 11-strong supplier list on the framework. Our organisation is a trading division of the Royal British Legion Industries and was launched at the start of the year.

“Our aim is to build a dynamic community for veterans which has employment and independence at its heart.

“Being part of this framework brings us an excellent opportunity to do business with Scotland’s councils, and it is very fitting that this comes immediately after Armistice Day.”