Public sector contract opportunities, £3,000 and over

The Highland Council is encouraging local suppliers to come along to the last four of a series of 10 Procurement road shows.  Entitled “Win More Business!” the events are aimed at helping local suppliers to develop their skills in tendering for public sector contracts.  More and more Scottish businesses are enjoying success tendering for public contracts and this free series of road shows is touring the Highlands to let businesses know how they can join them.

The last four events will run in Kingussie, Inverness, Nairn and Dingwall on the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th of November respectively. Each drop in session will run from 2pm until 7pm.  Various procurement staff representing The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Northern Constabulary, and Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue will be available to chat with suppliers, answer queries and provide guidance on current procurement legislation along with staff from Enterprise Europe Scotland, and the Scottish Government’s Public Contracts Scotland advertising portal.

During the sessions a series of six ten-minute presentations will be delivered covering topics such as where to find public sector contracts, pre-qualification and tender evaluation processes, business continuity planning e-procurement rules, and top tips for tendering.   The presentations will run at 2.30pm, and again at 5.30pm.

Councillor Carolyn Wilson, Chair of The Highland Council’s Resources Committee said: “Members have long been aware of the continuing need to improve relationships and understanding between the public sector and local businesses in relation to contracting opportunities. Members support these events wholeheartedly, and we would encourage all local businesses with an interest in doing business with the Council to drop in for as long as they wish.  We are also delighted to be working in partnership with such a wide range of bodies.”

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available, along with information packs for suppliers

The events will be held as follows between 2pm and 7pm and local suppliers/businesses are welcome to drop in for as much or as little time as they like.

• Kingussie:  Tuesday 3rd November - Badenoch Centre, 2pm - 7pm

• Inverness:  Wednesday 4th November – Kingsmills Hotel, 2pm - 7pm

• Nairn:  Thursday 5th November - Nairn Community Centre, 2pm - 7pm

• Dingwall: Friday 6th November - Dingwall Academy, 2pm - 7pm

For further information contact The Highland Council’s Procurement Team on 01463 703887.