A U-turn by Bangor University which will protect local companies who are offering vital facilities management services has been welcomed by Plaid Cymru elected members in the north-west who have campaigned on the matter.

Rhun ap Iorwerth AM, Sian Gwenllian AM and Hywel Williams MP have been in discussions with Bangor University after it was brought to their attention that the university was pursuing a single provider to be responsible for all of its “hard facilities management” work, threatening long-term working relationships the university has had with a number of successful local companies.

Following further consideration, the university has performed a U-turn and announced that the existing arrangements with current providers will continue for the time being, in a big boost to the local companies who have long-standing working relationships with the university.

Plaid Cymru AM for Ynys Môn Rhun ap Iorwerth said:

‘I am very pleased to see that Bangor University has changed their decision on this matter.

‘Procurement holds so much power in terms of making our local economy stronger and organisations – be they councils, Welsh Government or even universities – mustn’t think of spending decisions in isolation. There are knock-on effects and quite often ‘cheapest’ doesn’t mean best.’

Plaid Cymru’s Arfon AM and MP Sian Gwenllian and Hywel Williams added:

‘We are encouraged that the University continues to recognise the value of local procurement and hope it maintains a stable, long-term relationship with local firms and contractors, one which is mindful of both value for money but more importantly, local employment.’