New research has revealed that West Dunbartonshire Council has one of the highest rates of creating tender opportunities, issuing 106 in the past two years – earning gold for business value.
The business finance experts at money.co.uk business bank accounts have analysed tender data from 358 UK councils over the past two years, revealing which local authorities are offering the most contracts.
Councils creating the most business opportunities through tenders:
| Council | Population | Total tenders (last 2 years: July 2023 – July 2025) | Tenders per 100,000 residents | Tenders per 1,000 businesses | Tier |
| Westmorland and Furness | 228,187 | 418 | 183 | 36.5 | Platinum |
| Herefordshire | 189,890 | 336 | 177 | 31.3 | Platinum |
| Cumberland | 276,876 | 483 | 174 | 43.0 | Platinum |
| Milton Keynes | 298,270 | 437 | 147 | 35.2 | Platinum |
| Haringey | 262,895 | 384 | 146 | 29.8 | Platinum |
| Leicester | 379,780 | 517 | 136 | 38.2 | Gold |
| Westminster | 211,508 | 278 | 131 | 5.1 | Gold |
| Blackpool | 142,708 | 183 | 128 | 47.5 | Gold |
| Ipswich | 139,378 | 178 | 128 | 38.1 | Gold |
| Derry and Strabane | 150,859 | 189 | 125 | 34.1 | Gold |
| Sandwell | 347,551 | 425 | 122 | 42.7 | Gold |
| Bath and North East Somerset | 199,818 | 240 | 120 | 28.3 | Gold |
| West Dunbartonshire | 88,750 | 106 | 119 | 59.9 | Gold |
| Cambridge | 149,963 | 174 | 116 | 35.0 | Gold |
| Isle of Wight | 140,906 | 153 | 109 | 32.7 | Gold |
The platinum tier highlights the five UK councils creating the most business opportunities through tenders. This band includes Westmorland and Furness Council, which offered 418 total tenders, or 183 tenders per 100,000 residents, in the last two years – the highest rate in the UK.
All five platinum councils outperform the national average for tender activity, at around 43 per 100,000 residents in the last two years, or 12 per 1,000 businesses.
Joe Phelan, money.co.uk business bank account expert, commented:
“For businesses in sectors like construction, professional services, healthcare, or specialist supply, council contracts offer major opportunities. But they also come with strict financial scrutiny.
“Before awarding contracts, councils will almost always assess a business’s financial stability. That means clear, up-to-date accounts, strong cash flow, and evidence that your operations can handle the scale and demands of public sector work.
“To stand out, your financial systems need to be well organised. A dedicated business bank account helps keep finances separate and makes it easier to generate the reports councils expect. The businesses that can quickly demonstrate both financial health and operational readiness are more often than not the ones councils will trust to deliver.”
Tips to get financially tender-ready:
- Make sure your accounts are up to date: Councils will often request recent financial statements. Having professionally prepared accounts ready to go helps you move quickly and confidently on opportunities.
- Choose a business bank account with strong reporting tools: Look for accounts that offer downloadable transaction history, monthly summaries, and easy integration with accounting software. This will make pulling the necessary information for PQQs (pre-qualification questionnaires) far easier.
- Monitor cash flow and savings regularly: Councils want to know you can deliver on the contract, so tracking cash flow and savings helps you spot and solve potential issues.
- Showcase past performance and relevant experience: Demonstrating that you’ve successfully delivered similar contracts, whether for other councils or private clients, builds trust. Case studies, testimonials, and proof of delivery all strengthen your application.
The full report can be viewed here.
