Cardiff Tenders

Who buys in Cardiff

Cardiff Council serves the Welsh capital, within the Cardiff Capital Region covering ten south-east Wales authorities. Welsh procurement operates under its own framework — the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023 — which places statutory duties on public bodies around socially responsible procurement and fair work.

The Welsh Government procures nationally from Cardiff. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board covers the city — note that Wales uses health boards rather than the trust structure used in England. Cardiff University is a major research and estates buyer, alongside Cardiff Metropolitan and the University of South Wales. Transport for Wales procures rail and integrated transport nationally.

Where Cardiff tenders are published

Sell2Wales is the national portal for Welsh public contracts and the essential registration. Higher-value notices also appear on Find a Tender. Contracts Finder coverage of Welsh contracts is partial, so Sell2Wales is not optional if you sell here.

Competing in Cardiff

Welsh procurement policy places unusually strong emphasis on the foundational economy, local supply chains and fair work, backed by statute rather than guidance. The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 also requires public bodies to consider long-term impact, which appears in tender questions asking how your proposal contributes to national well-being goals — a question format suppliers from England often answer poorly because they have not encountered it.

Common questions

Do I need to bid in Welsh?

Not usually, but Welsh public bodies operate under Welsh language standards and some contracts — particularly public-facing services — require bilingual delivery. Check the requirement early, because bilingual capability can be a pass/fail criterion.

What is the Well-being of Future Generations Act?

Welsh legislation requiring public bodies to consider long-term social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being. It appears in tenders as questions about how your proposal supports the seven national well-being goals, and generic answers score badly.