Companies Encouraged to Meet the Buyer

A call is going out for local businesses keen to bid for work in the public sector to attend a Dundee event where they can meet buyers from organisations across Tayside.

The free Meet the Buyer gathering on February 20 will give potential new suppliers the opportunity to talk informally about upcoming contracts, and to find out about tendering as well as the criteria for buying goods and services.

A wide range of goods and services are bought in by public bodies including personal care, building works, transport and catering.

Councillor Steven Rome, convener of Dundee City Council’s Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure committee, said: “The procurement process can sometimes seem complex, so this event aims to help all local businesses be ready to bid for work from councils, health boards, universities and other public bodies when it comes up.

“Attendance is free, but we are keen that new and existing suppliers, particularly local businesses in and around Dundee, register for the event.

“It will give them a chance to meet in person with the people involved in public sector procurement so that they can offer their help and guidance and we can get more local companies involved.

“Buyers are keen to meet potential suppliers to chat about upcoming contracts, how they go about tendering and what they look for when buying goods and services for their organisations.

“Suppliers will also be able to meet with meet larger contractors with public sector contracts to learn about current and active subcontract opportunities, and how to join their supply chains.”

The event is being organised by Dundee City Council in partnership with Perth & Kinross Council, Angus Council and the Supplier Development Programme.

It takes place at the Invercarse Hotel, Dundee, on Tuesday February 20 between 10am and 2pm.

Anyone who wants to attend should register Supplier Development Programme website

Gillian Cameron, programme manager of the Supplier Development Programme, said: “Meet the Buyer Tayside is a fantastic opportunity to network with the real people who design and advertise local public sector contracts and supply chain opportunities, as well as the free business support and training local businesses can access to help them bid better and more successfully.

“The Supplier Development Programme works hand-in-hand with local authorities to build on the solid foundations of events like Meet the Buyer Tayside and we want to encourage local businesses of all sizes to attend this free event.”

The session will include speakers and optional short informational workshops, looking at topics such as how to tender in Tayside using the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) website, and doing business with the Scottish Government.

Procurement staff from organisations including Angus, Dundee City, and Perth & Kinross councils, NHS Tayside, colleges, universities and Social Security Scotland and the Scottish Government will be at the event along with support organisations including Supplier Development Programme.

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