Preferred supplier lists in the construction industry
A preferred supplier list is a list of organisations preferred by a client to undertake certain works, supplies or services, following a competitive tendering exercise.
An approved list, or approved supplier list, is a list of potential contractors, suppliers or service providers approved by the client, who have met pre-set criteria.
A select list is: 'A list of suitable prospective contractors, suppliers or service providers that has been drawn up through a shortlisting exercise for a particular contract or procurement activity.'
Ref Glossary of procurement terminology, A guide for suppliers, Published by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in April 2012.
NB The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Glossary of procurement terms, defines an approved supplier list as: ‘A list of suppliers whose basic credentials have been checked. This would normally cover financial stability, compliance with any laws or licences needed to operate, adequate insurance, health and safety policies and the like. There is no contract with the suppliers, but there is some assurance as to their appropriateness for specified categories. This list may restrict what types of order (by category, value or geographical location) can be placed with each of them.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”