Local suppliers across ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute are being offered free training and advice on how they can improve their chances of winning council tenders.
A number of informative training events and roadshows are being held over the next few weeks as part of the Supplier Development Programme (SDP).
The first event is a live, online ‘Talking Tenders’ webinar on 28 October. This will enable suppliers to discuss internal processes and upcoming tender opportunities discuss internal processes and upcoming tender opportunities from the comfort of their own desk.
A number of ‘Meet the Buyer’ roadshows are also scheduled to take place in Oban, Helensburgh, Lochgilphead, Campbeltown and Dunoon in November.
These roadshows will be made up of convenient, 15-minute appointments between 10 and 4pm, and are a great way for businesses to find out more about providing services and supplies for the public sector in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute. All appointmentsmust be booked in advance.
Getting the highest possible score in your bid is essential to winning a contract, but it can be difficult to know what exactly the buyer is looking for.
To aid local businesses, two workshops are also being held in Lochgilphead to provide an insight into buyers’ needs and expectations and ensure they are winning points. The first event, ‘Improving your Bid Score’ will be held on 27 November at 10am in Committee Room 1, Kilmory Castle, Lochgilphead.
Key topics for this workshop include: Understanding the client; finding information; bid writing skills; pricing your bid; and getting top tips on writing a winning bid. This event is suitable for anyone who has a good understanding of public sector procurement (completed Level 1 or have equivalent experience) and wants to improve their bid score.
The second workshop, ‘Tender Procedures and the ESDP’ will be held on 11 December in Committee Room 1, Kilmory Castle, Lochgilphead, and is an intermediate-level workshop covering the various types of tender procedures in detail, including processes and timescales. It will also look at the selection stage and completing the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD).
¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s Policy Lead for Support Services, Councillor Rory Colville, said: “We have some very successful local businesses in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute, however, many of them have very little experience of tendering.
“The council has set a target for the next financial year of awarding 75% of procurement to SME. These events are therefore a fantastic opportunity for them to find out how they can benefit from expert training, support and information to help them win work and expand their business.â€
For the full list of dates and events, and to register for any of the free events mentioned, please visit at .