If your business uses suppliers, it’s important that you select businesses you can count on. Price is a factor, but so too are quality, reliability, flexibility and value for money. You’ll want to negotiate terms, draw up a service level agreement and check the supplier can fulfil this. Regular reviews and efforts to build the relationship can then keep things running smoothly.

Business Gateway’s guide to choosing and managing suppliers can help you navigate the way ahead.

Read the free guide to find out about:

• what to look for in a supplier
• finding and choosing suppliers
• negotiating with suppliers
• service level agreements with suppliers
• building good supplier relationships
• ending supplier contracts

Yes, if you are thinking about starting, or already run, a business in Scotland.

This is a free and impartial service.

Any business based in Scotland that uses, or plans to use, suppliers of any kind.

Take 8 minutes to read the Business Gateway guide to choosing and managing suppliers.

Service level agreements should include regular performance reviews of both your supplier’s service and your own performance – for example, in settling supplier bills on time.

Visit the Business Gateway website for more advice on choosing and managing suppliers.