Gwynedd Council is urging more local businesses to bid for public sector contracts, which could prove a vital lifeline during this period of economic uncertainty.
As part of its Responding to the Recession Action Plan, Gwynedd Council’s Corporate Procurement Unit, in conjunction with the Welsh Assembly Government’s Supplier Development Service, recently organised a networking day for public sector buyers and suppliers.
The Meet the Buyer day was an opportunity for local businesses to meet with representatives from a number of public sector bodies to discuss future tendering opportunities and also to be made aware of the assistance available to them from support agencies such as Gwynedd Council’s Business Support Team and Menter a Busnes.
Nicola Day, Gwynedd Council’s Corporate Procurement Manager, said:
“As a Council we are committed to opening doors to local businesses to compete for Council contracts and were delighted by the warm reception the recent event received.
“As well as an opportunity to meet potential buyers this event at the Meifod Hotel was a chance for traders to get advice about the best way to compete for contracts and to learn about the tendering process.
“The feedback from this day confirmed our belief that local businesses are keen to compete for contracts and are eager to obtain information on how to do so.”
Leader of Gwynedd Council, Councillor Dyfed Edwards, who attended the event, added:
“Supporting local businesses is a key priority for us as a Council. One way in which we can do this is by encouraging and supporting local firms to compete for Council contracts.
“Despite cuts in public spending, there are still great opportunities for local companies to tender for work.
“It was encouraging to see so many people taking part in this workshop and I would urge an local businesses to attend similar forthcoming events to ensure they are well placed to secure their share of contracts.”
Following the success of this event, a further two Supplier Awareness sessions have been arranged to inform businesses involved in the construction sector of the North Wales Trade Operatives framework that is currently being advertised.
The events will be held in the Celtic Royal Hotel in Caernarfon on 11 February 2010, and in the Royal Ship Hotel, Dolgellau on 12 February 2010.
For further information about the supplier awareness event contact Derwenna Bridle on 01248 672610 or e-mail [email protected]
