Hark back to the 1980s (not that I like to admit I was a councillor cutting my political teeth that long ago!) and you will find a public procurement process almost unrecognisable to the one so many local government employees find overburdensome now. Prior to the implementation of the relevant EU directives, the procurement laws we consider standard practice today were virtually non-existent in the UK, with decisions instead regulated by Treasury guidance.

While the sector's relationship with Brussels' directives has not always been a harmonious one, it's only right we give the current system its fair dues: it has undoubtedly helped create a more transparent tender process, driving competition and ensuring value for money. It's equally important we debunk a few recurring myths, the most damaging of which would have you believe British businesses lose out to foreign competitors. In fact, between 2009 and 2011 only 1.3% of UK public contracts were awarded to suppliers based in other member states, a figure lower than in any other country, bar France and Spain.