Free event to help firms do business with public sector
27/08/10
Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council are holding a free event to help North-east businesses understand the procurement process for the public sector.
The public sector spends approximately £8 billion each year tendering for goods and services but many small and medium sized businesses find it difficult to enter the public procurement market.
Both authorities are members of the Supplier Development Programme (SDP), which allows businesses in the North-east to access the full range of support available when they register with the scheme.
The first event 'A Guide to Procurement – A Scottish Perspective' will be held in Committee Room 5 at Woodhill House on Wednesday, September 1, beginning at 5.30pm.
The event covers understanding the public sector market place and key procurement issues which will improve a business's chance of success in gaining contracts.
The programme aims to assist all businesses improve their performance in winning contracts with public sector organisations by providing information, news and events that will leave businesses more informed in the processes undertaken by public authorities.
'A Guide to Procurement' is the first stage in the procurement awareness process and will be followed by other workshops for businesses that are more advanced in the procurement process.
Councillor Peter Argyle, chairman of Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Services Committee, said: "I think it is extremely important that we actively support local small and medium sized businesses and making sure that they are in the best position to be able to compete with the larger companies when both councils are tendering new contracts."
Councillor Kate Dean, convener of Aberdeen City Council's Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure Committee, said: "Public sector procurement is a critical area of business for local firms and the Third Sector in this climate of economic uncertainty. There are significant opportunities to do business with local authorities - and this event will give people the chance to understand the market and become primed to compete for contracts."
To register for this event visit www.sdpscotland.co.uk or email Margaret.Swinburne@glasgow.gov.uk
Registered companies will receive e-bulletins about upcoming events and information updates.
For more information contact:
For Aberdeenshire Council – Morna Harper on 01224 665218 or email morna.harper@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
For Aberdeen City Council – Heather Farquhar on 01224 814598 or email hfarquhar@aberdeencity.gov.uk