Packed event draws businesses to learn 'how to do business with Worcestershire County Council'

Public sector buyers were invited to breakfast with FinditinWorcestershire to hear about contracting opportunities available across the county.

The ‘Public Sector Procurement Special’ event took place at Sixways Stadium and gave insight into the tender procedures for the purchase of supplies and services by local procurement departments.

Keynote speaker, Andrew Spice, Director of Commercial and Commissioning at Worcestershire County Council, gave a background to the County Council and what is involved in its buying process and supplier engagement practices.

He explained the importance of ensuring that the services the council procures improves the economic, social and environmental well-being of the local area. He illustrated how the buying process will change and any potential suppliers tendering for council contracts will need to consider various areas of social value as part of a tender.

A Q&A session followed with a panel procurement leads from Worcestershire County Council, Place Partnership Ltd, University of Worcester and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Lorna Jeynes, Business Growth Manager at Worcestershire County Council said: “It was great to see so many of our members attending today's event – taking the opportunity to meet and question our panel of Public Procurement buyers.

“The County Council is 'Open for Business' and we value feedback from local businesses about our current services and future buying proposals. Today was a fantastic chance for the business community to put their opinions forward and discuss how we can improve our procurement processes to increase the percentage of work we place locally.”

Kim James, Senior Procurement Manager at Place Partnership was on hand to talk about the exciting opportunities available from the organisation that manages the County Council’s property function.

Whilst Joe Stock, Senior Procurement Officer at University of Worcester met with new supply chain contacts in civil engineering, mechanical and electrical, professional development and more.

A supplier guide can be accessed via the Worcestershire County Council website here: http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/

Companies interested in engaging with the County Council can email
ToUs@worcestershire.gov.uk for more information.