What are the benefits of selling to government?

Public-sector organisations are good customers. They have to be fair, honest and professional in the way they choose suppliers and in any dealings with them. Public Sector organisations are less likely to be subject to fluctuations in the market and they pay promptly and in line with agreed contract terms. Public-sector organisations have to pay accounts within 30 days (or any other agreed credit period) of receiving a valid bill or invoice. You may also find that trading successfully with the public sector can give added credibility with private sector customers.

Top of Page

Can small businesses win public sector contracts?

Many small, and even new companies achieve success through the opportunities offered by our service. Most client bodies whose contract announcements we list are far more interested in ensuring companies can provide best value for money than in the size of their turnover.

Small companies are often successful in public sector contracting because they can offer:

1. Expertise unavailable in larger companies
2. A better understanding of their products
3. A better understanding of client requirements
4. A willingness to work closely with clients in partnership

Top of Page

Training

Training can be provided on the following issues through the Procurement Officer:

• Help with looking for tender opportunities
• Step by step support with bids
• Advice on public sector procurement
• Help with contract presentations
• Advice on how to market yourself to the public sector
• Step by step support with post contract client liaison
• Advice on terms and conditions.

Top of Page

TRAK (Tender Readiness Audit Kit) Introduction

The climate has changed for third sector organisations across the country. Grants are becoming less common and contracts are becoming the norm. With contracts comes formal procurement, which puts additional pressure on third sector organisations of all sizes. This may seem a daunting prospect, but third sector providers should be actively tendering for services. The sector has been innovating and adding value for many years. As a result it has some exceptional services to offer. The Government recognises the significant role already played by third sector organisations in public services and is keen for this to grow. An action plan drawn up by the Cabinet Office in 2006 set out reforms to increase third sector involvement in public services. Further policy papers have repeatedly highlighted the desirability of a greater third sector role. This will mean more services will be tendered. The need for third sector organisations to engage effectively in competitive tendering will only increase.

Background to TRAK

Developed in conjunction with many Public Sector bodies in Lancashire to:

• Eliminate risk, and
• Bring the 3rd Sector and Public Sector together
• Make sure the 3rd Sector understands the world of Public Sector procur

What does TRAK offer?

• Gives introduction and overview of Public Sector procurement rules and regulations
• Identify if Public Sector procurement is right for you e.g. does the piece of work fall within your aims and objectives?
• Identify prospective customers/partners
• Look at various FREE resources for searching for opportunities
• Help to become more strategic e.g. marketing strategy
• Look at policies and procedures that organisations need to have in place to deal with the Public Sector
• Audit of these policies and procedures to ensure that they are up to date and applicable to the business
• A report offering advice and recommendations
• If a body passes the process, a certificate valid for two years

The TRAK Process

• A trainer will visit your premises to undertake the process.
• This typically takes between half to a full day.
• A computer with internet access will be required.
• Access to policy and procedures will be required.

More information is available on the attached presentation and by contacting Jonathan Thomas at jonathan.thomas@lancashire.gov.uk

• Tender Readiness Audit Kit (TRAK) Launch  (powerpoint presentation - file size 394kb)

Top of Page

London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games - Business Opportunities

It is expected that there will be around 7,000 direct contracts which, together with suppliers, will form supply chains of around 75,000 opportunities. They range from construction, engineering and manufacturing to creative, merchandising and retail.

There are plenty of opportunities for Lancashire businesses as contractors at every level of the London 2012 supply chain, including major construction contractors, are being encouraged to advertise new contract opportunities through the CompeteFor website. Preston based The TAS Partnership Limited, for instance, has won work.

To help local businesses participate The Northwest Regional Development Agency and Business Link Northwest have produced an information sheet which provides further information and contact links.

If you want to get London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games business, register with the CompeteFor website.

Top of Page