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Ri Tr gh ad t C in on g o ne n t ct he io ns

Issue 02 Autumn 06

Get set to win more business…

Sporting Opportunities for Welsh Businesses Celtic Retail Centre ‘Regeneration breathed into Caernarfon’

Trowch drosodd i’r Gymraeg

Contract Shop Opportunities ‘Make sure your business is not missing out’

Contract Shop is brought to you by the Local Supplier Development Project, an initiative of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Department for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks.

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Autumn 2006 Contents Welcome

02

Victoria Dock Development 03 Olympic Games update

04

Bluebirds Stadium

05

Networking events

06

A day in the life of…

07

Media News Business opportunities Weblinks

08—09 10—11 12

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the Welsh Assembly Government and its agents cannot be held liable for inaccuracies or omissions published herein.

Welcome to our second issue

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he summer sporting season may be over, but our autumn edition has a decidedly sporty feel, with a range of features showing how sport and business can pull together.

As well as tons of practical advice to give your tenders a sporting chance, you’ll find stories showcasing home and away triumphs for a stack of Welsh businesses.

And if you’d like to join the winners’ board in our next edition, why not tell us about your tendering victory at www.contractshop.co.uk/win

Sports Council grants improve supplier opportunities

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uppliers of sports equipment and other services will benefit from a £1.6 million National Lottery grant over the next 12 months.

As part of the National Lottery’s Community Chest scheme, the Sports Council for Wales is awarding money to communitybased projects aimed at increasing physical activity. Communities can purchase equipment and services in a scheme that’s set to improve the nation’s fitness — while opening doors for suppliers.

Communities sourcing equipment include sports clubs, workplaces, local interest groups and support networks. Nearly 10,000 projects have benefited since the scheme began in 1999, with suppliers providing over £5.6 million worth of services and equipment.

While many funded projects involve the purchase of sports equipment, suppliers outside the sports sector can also benefit. Through recent projects, building contractors have Page 02

been busy providing shower and changing facilities and renovating office space to install fitness suites.

Meanwhile, printers have supplied signage and orienteering maps, while landscapers have developed grassed areas into playing fields.

The Sports Council began working with communities in response to the Welsh Assembly Government’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, ‘Climbing Higher’.

Community Chest panels based in each of the 22 local authorities hold the purse strings, and members are given presiding powers to fund worthwhile projects.

Suppliers can benefit by keeping in touch with local businesses, sports clubs and community groups — or better still, by getting involved with a local fitness scheme!

For more information on keeping active, call 0845 606 4050 or visit www.healthchallenge.wales. gov.uk or for a free action pack.

Local Supplier Development Project Supplier Champions For contact details please visit www.contractshop.co.uk/ supplierchampions • Conwy, Denbighshire Nia Môn Tel: 01352 707830 • Flintshire, Wrexham Jamie Edwards Tel: 01978 366366 • Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey Siôn Hughes Tel: 01248 672672 • Ceredigion Llinos Price Tel: 01239 621828 • Powys Guto Carrod & Llyr Roberts Tel: 01970 636565 • Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Torfaen Stephen Anthony Tel: 07717 862798 • Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan Helen Fair Tel: 07920 116436 • Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf Sean Hamill Tel: 07920 116434 • Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot, Swansea Paul Rogers Tel: 01792 817575 • Pembrokeshire Tara Morris Tel: 01646 696626 • Carmarthenshire Owen Jones Tel: 01554 779911

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Development begins at Victoria Dock C

aernarfon’s Victoria Dock is seeing a £27.3 million Celtic-themed redevelopment that will create over 300 jobs and provide major opportunities for local suppliers.

W. J. Developments (Gwynedd) Ltd is investing £23 million to redevelop a 5.4 acre site at the dock into commercial, retail and residential opportunities.

Their investment is supported

by Gwynedd County Council and the Welsh Assembly Government, which will invest £4.3 million into the project over the next three years.

The Assembly Government’s Local Supplier Development Team is working with the developer to ensure the project brings opportunities for local SMEs. Supplier Champions are confident that the development will also widen the area for further private sector investment, creating additional demand for Gwynedd’s growing supplier base.

Work on the redevelopment began on July 25th when representatives of W.J. Developments (Gwynedd) Ltd, the Welsh Assembly Government and Gwynedd County Council undertook a groundbreaking ceremony at the dock.

“This is a record private investment in Caernarfon” Richard Parry Hughes, Gwynedd Council Leader said: “This is a record private investment in Caernarfon and an excellent example of what can be achieved through effective partnership between Gwynedd Council, a private business and the Welsh Assembly Government. The local

authority has contributed the land and has been instrumental in getting the scheme off the ground and securing the support of the other partners.”

“Preparations are already underway to ensure the town gets maximum benefit from this investment - the walkways and general links between the Dock and town need to be improved; local people need training so they have the right skills to take advantage of created jobs, and local businesses need to be aware of new opportunities.”

“We can see the beginning of a new era for the community” Andrew Davies, Minister for Enterprise, Innovation & Networks, added: “For nearly 10 years we have been working with our partners to redevelop and regenerate this part of Caernarfon.

Today, that work has paid off and we can see the beginning of a new era for the community by bringing a redundant site back into economic use.”

“The Welsh Assembly Government has invested significantly in the area over recent years — the reclamation and decontamination of derelict land; the creation of a 50-berth marina facility and 3,000sq metres of floorspace in the Galeri Arts and Media Centre.”

“This latest redevelopment will bring more investment, employment opportunities and more possibilities for the growing creative media sector.”

In addition to the 300 jobs created by the development, a further 160 construction jobs will be provided during the redevelopment stage.

Suppliers will see the benefit from

Above: Glyn Watkin Jones (L) and Councillor Richard Morris-Jones (R) start to finish, with materials to be sourced and Celtic produce to be sold in the development’s retail centre.

The final development will consist of 66,000sq ft of office space; 49,000sq ft of retail space and 31,000sq ft of leisure facilities.

Fifty residential dwellings totalling 7,000sq ft will also be created.

As well as being extensively landscaped, the development will be sustainable and eco-friendly.

Stringent design specifications mean the entire project will meet BREEAM and EcoHomes “Very Good” Standard.

The redevelopment has been achieved by the Joint Venture Board formed in 1992 between the former Welsh Development Agency and Arfon Borough Council, which was renewed in 1997 with the participation of Gwynedd County Council.

The Board realised the redevelopment of Victoria Dock was to be a major catalyst for regeneration in Caernarfon.

Glyn Watkin Jones of W.J. Developments (Gwynedd) Ltd, commented: “We’re delighted to be starting work on this important project and believe it’s a fine illustration of how public and private sectors can work together in regenerating an area.”

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Olympics 2012 Games Update from Arthur Emyr A

rthur Emyr, Director Wales for London 2012, gives us the inside story on the lead-up to the big event…

How are preparations going?

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) published the master plan for the Olympic Park site in June, with developments in design, venue procurement and infrastructure due over the next year. The London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) is developing the branding structure to underpin the commercial sponsorship programme that’s crucial to meeting the project costs.

Both organisations are now over a year into the seven-year lead-time since London was awarded the Games. They have an equal role to play. Put very simply, if the Games were a theatrical performance the ODA would build the theatre and LOCOG would put on the show…

What’s your role?

My unit works with the Wales Steering Group, established by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Together with the 11 other members of the Nations and Regions Group, our purpose is to ensure the benefits of 2012 are realised for the entire UK. We aim to deliver an advanced draft of 2012 Legacy Planning by the end of the year.

Our Assembly Government Ministers will then decide how these plans will unfold for Wales.

What impact will the Olympics have in Wales?

If we did nothing up until 2012, they’d still have a big impact. But by being proactive there’s great potential for progress in a range of areas — business and innovation, infrastructure, training and skills, Page 04

Above: Lord Coe KBE and Arthur Emyr tourism, sport and health, disability and inclusion, culture and volunteering.

Will small businesses have a chance of getting a contract?

Many small businesses in Wales will get contracts as part of a £3 — £4 billion procurement programme. Of course it’ll be highly competitive but if you agree that securing a Games contract is the business equivalent of winning a track medal, there’s no better opportunity!

How were the Olympic Roadshows received in Wales?

LOCOG officials were delighted with the response they had in Wales. All involved deserve credit for the organisation of their events.

I was especially pleased with the response when Seb Coe addressed business leaders at the Millennium Stadium, which will host part of the football tournament in 2012.

Should businesses be preparing now?

Absolutely — and nobody’s missed the boat! The majority of contracts won’t roll out until late next year.

We need to assess what goods or services we can offer, then start thinking like an athlete: prepare to train, train to compete... and compete to win.

Any milestones for business over the next year?

Milestones will vary according to the nature of individual businesses.

Generally, it’ll be the planning, design and construction managed by the ODA that will lead the way.

LOCOG procurement kicks in from 2009.

Where can opportunities be seen?

Mainly on the 2012 website www.london2012.com, where you should register your business for information updates. But all contracts above the threshold will be lodged in the EU Journal.

Also keep an eye on the London Development Agency website www.lda.gov.uk — the Games are part of an East London regeneration programme, including transport and infrastructure developments worth £17 billion.

The Assembly Government is also considering a business support programme for 2012 issues. This should be a two way process, so you can contact us with suggestions at: walesunitfor2012games @wales.gsi.gov.uk

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New Bluebirds Stadium A

t an executive meeting on 14 September, Cardiff Council gave a further 3 month extension to the deadline for agreement over the new Bluebirds stadium development.

Cardiff City FC now has until 30 December to provide the Council with financial information to support their plans for a new home.

The Club is teaming up in a joint development initiative with Capital & Regional (Leckwith) Ltd to deliver the entire Leckwith site development. The project includes the football stadium, athletics

stadium, House of Sport and a retail park.

The Council, the Club and Capital & Regional have been completing the outstanding work in order to bring the scheme to an unconditional status that would allow building work to begin this autumn.

Capital & Regional (Leckwith) Ltd will be required to provide financial guarantees to ensure the delivery of the whole scheme — and with the stadium planned for completion by summer 2008, local businesses

Above: Peter Risdale, Executive Deputy Chairman Cardiff CFC and Helen Fair, Local Supplier Champion for Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan

can look forward to a wealth of tendering opportunities.

Peter Ridsdale, Deputy Chairman of Cardiff City FC said of the Council decision: “Their statement demonstrates that the stadium project is well on track and that the start is well within our sights. I now hope that everyone within Cardiff will embrace this news and demonstrate their support by backing the Club for the forthcoming season.”

Stop Press… Stop Press…

Other news on the Welsh football front sees Wrexham AFC finally putting their offpitch problems behind them.

The Club has been taken out of administration and purchased by a new consortium of backers.

The Dragons have made a promising start to the new season, and with new ground developments also looking likely, the future looks bright at The Racecourse.

Ryder Cup — Providing Opportunities for Welsh Business

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s soon as the winning putt is sunk at The Ryder Cup this autumn, the eyes of the golfing world will turn from Ireland to Wales. The world’s third biggest sporting event will next visit Europe in 2010, when it comes to Newport’s own Celtic Manor Resort.

One Welsh business aiming to take full advantage of this opportunity is Asbri Golf Ltd, a Pontypridd-based company that designs and manufactures a wide range of golf accessories.

Company founder Eryl Wiliams said: “Since our first product launch

in March 2005 we’ve established ourselves as the number one Welsh golf brand. Our product range is now spreading across the UK and into global markets.”

“All our products can be branded with company names and logos.

This has already enabled us to provide promotional merchandise for Ryder Cup Wales.”

Rob Holt of Ryder Cup Wales added: “The Ryder Cup is generating valuable business opportunities for companies across Wales. Indeed, we are working with the European

Tour and the Welsh Assembly Government to identify supplier opportunities.”

There will be stiff competition for the lucrative merchandise deals, but if Asbri’s name is anything to go by (it’s Welsh for ‘vivacious’ and ‘spirited’) this is one company that should get its share of business from the event.

To make the most of The Ryder Cup, visit www.rydercupwales2010.com.

For Asbri Golf visit www.asbrigolf.com Page 05

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Businesses grab opportunity to Network at the Royal Welsh

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his year’s Royal Welsh Show opened with a chance for suppliers to meet prospective buyers and network with other businesses at the Menter a Busnes stand — an event organised in conjunction with the Local Supplier Development Project.

Businesses had the chance to liase with numerous decision makers from the public sector and gather valuable information on current opportunities, as well as learning more about the tendering process.

Graham Element, Managing Director of Builth Wells supplier Cambrian Interiors, commented: “There’s no substitute for meeting buyers in person. It’s vital that SMEs looking to break into public sector work have access to their skills and knowledge.”

Gareth Llewellyn, Business Development Executive with the Welsh Assembly Government in Mid Wales, added: “The Local Supplier Development Project is an important public sector funded tool.

And the work being done by a private company, Menter a Busnes — the Mid Wales champions of the programme — shows how public sector support can be used to help the private sector develop their businesses.”

Supplier Champion Guto Carrod of Menter a Busnes concluded: “The event was an enormous success, bringing public sector organisations and businesses together, which has always been one of the team’s primary aims.”

Any business needing help with sourcing local suppliers or services can find out more by mailing guto.carrod@ menterabusnes.co.uk or calling 01970 636565.

ICT: transforming business

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nformation and Communications Technology (ICT) is transforming businesses worldwide. The Welsh Assembly Government’s ICT Advisory Service can help you transform yours.

The service provides free advice to SMEs across Wales and is often the first point of contact for companies getting to grips with ICT. “The service aims to explain the benefits and ease of using ICT in a business” explains Delivery Manager Victoria Dere. “We have a network of 23 centres across Wales with trained advisors ready to provide consistent and impartial advice and assistance.

All our advisors have ICT and business backgrounds, which makes them our biggest asset.”

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Anyone visiting the individual centres will find information and guidance on using the Internet, networking, hardware, software and data back up. And if a business needs specialist guidance, advisors can usually oblige: this year they’ve assisted with a range of queries including wireless networking, CRM software, accounts packages, electronic records and Voice Over IP. Customers have been quick to recommend the service. Tim Hughes of Builth Wells firm Smithfield Tractors, said: “We wanted to improve internal and external communication processes through the use of technology.”

“The advisor put us on the right track and told us exactly what we needed to do. We now have

integrated Internet and email, and improved electronic file sharing between departments. The results have improved the systems to help us become more efficient.”

The ICT Advisory Service offers half a day’s free support per annum to every business in Wales. Advice is delivered on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government by local unitary authorities and enterprise centres — ensuring that most advisors also have an understanding of local business needs.

For further information — and to find your nearest ICT Centre — email walesictcentres@ wales.gsi.gov.uk. You can also call 0800 3897665 or visit the website www.wales.gov/ict

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A day in the life of a Buyer…

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ife as a public sector procurement officer is no mere ‘nine to five’. Juggling various projects demands detailed planning, analytical expertise and finely-tuned political sensibilities. This month we find out how Hywyn Pritchard, Procurement Officer for Ceredigion County Council, manages the balance.

“Every day I deal with lots of projects at different stages of development. To deal with them effectively, I need to impose some kind of order and begin my day by working through my e-mails and the post. I often need to give specialist advice in response to supplier enquiries or redirect those enquiries — mainly to the council website.

Then it’s on with the pre-planned business for the day. Contract management activities can involve in-house meetings with other Council employees. I’m responsible for procurement across a wide range of services and commodities — everything from highway maintenance to school stationery — so I work closely with six key departments including Educational & Community Services, Environmental Services and Housing & Social Services.

“I spend a good deal of time analysing the opportunity to make sure we get the best value from selected suppliers” When a new tender is brought to me, my first priority is to assess whether the commodity should be outsourced or supplied in-house, so I spend a good deal of time analysing the opportunity to make sure we get the best value from

selected suppliers. Each contract is open to competition and our tender lists are regularly updated, so it’s important that the decision-making process is clear and accountable.

needs, we may find the service is most effectively provided by another public sector organisation.

So maintaining close links with other bodies is vital to providing the best value.

Assessing offers and awarding contracts requires research, analysis and discussion as well as political and legal awareness. It’s a complex process! But it’s my job to make sure that the supplier we choose provides the best possible value for the people of Ceredigion.

There’s plenty of decision making, too. As a procurement officer, you have to be objective and detached, because you’re providing analysis that will be used throughout the council — and more widely. It will be managed by the Directors & Chief Executive as well as the elected members of the Council, which adds a political dimension to the process.

“There are strict guidelines for the tendering and supplier selection process” There are strict guidelines for the tendering and supplier selection process. Each stage has its own implicit deadlines and timescales, so managing everything simultaneously takes a lot of co-ordination.

The planned relocation of the Department of Environment, Planning and Countryside to Aberystwyth makes this an exciting time for us, as the Council will be located on the same site. It’s a major project, which is entering into an intense preparatory phase. And it’s keeping me busy surveying markets and contracts, getting the building ready for occupation and managing the planning & logistics that go along with such a big move.

Not every day is spent in the office though. The wider agenda to collaborate more with other public sector organisations leads to lots of days away from the desk.

We’re encouraged to work together across the region and right across Wales, so we can make the best use of specialisations where they occur.

For example, if we’re looking for carers of children with special

Unlike in the private sector, where procurement can sometimes seem to be a case of ‘anything goes’, decisions in the public sector are scrutinised and judged against the needs of the local community.

We need to consider issues such as social inclusion, environmental benefit and economic benefit. I see myself as the guardian of the public purse, and it’s pivotal to get this balance right.

“All in all, I’d have to say it’s a very responsible role!”

The central question is always: “Is this providing good value for the people of Ceredigion?” This applies to goods purchased, services provided and construction activity — elements right across the board. All in all, I’d have to say it’s a very responsible role!

It’s also very rewarding. The most satisfying aspect of my job is making a contribution to public life and knowing that I’m bringing better value to the residents and visitors of Ceredigion.”

For further advice on tendering, see page 12.

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Creative Media in Wales

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he Welsh Assembly Government has announced plans that underscore a firm commitment to the creative industries of Wales.

In adopting a strategy for creative development, the Assembly Government aims to encourage Welsh companies to take expansive strides in the worlds of film, television and music.

The new initiative is based on the view that the creative industries are in an increasing state of overlap.

For example, broadcasters are now expecting independent production companies to develop ‘crossplatform’ ideas, with distribution of content not merely by conventional means — but also via broadband and 3G mobile phones.

The strategy also focuses on the opportunities that are presented by new technologies — specifically for creators of original content — while taking a broader look at other sectors that are able to contribute to the Welsh economy by exploiting creative Intellectual Properties.

This convergence of technologies will serve to open up a wide range of opportunities for collaboration between companies, particularly where the demand for technologically-rich, compulsive content exceeds the capabilities of the television production sector.

Ministers are concerned that much of this new industry is centred outside Wales. The strategy calls on the Creative Industries Support Service to identify means of increasing the country’s share of the expanding workload. With this view in mind, an exercise is currently underway to identify Welsh companies that are already actively engaged in creating and distributing content using new technologies.

The Assembly Government’s strategy will then be developed to exploit emerging synergies between these companies,with a view to responding to commercial opportunities.

Extending the life of Doctor Who

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igital communications agency Sequence were commissioned by the BBC to produce a suite of online games for the latest series of Doctor Who. Following the success of previous games, the BBC wanted to extend the ‘shelf life’ of each new episode by allowing the viewer to move the adventure from their TV to their PC.

special websites and online missions that extended the Doctor’s universe. The games were linked to all 13 episodes, with gameplay that mirrored the distinctive look and feel of each adventure.

Working closely with the BBC production team, Sequence enhanced every episode by creating

By moving from the standard single game format, Sequence has helped the BBC push the gaming experience,

As a result, fans can immerse themselves in the Doctor’s adventures long after the episodes have aired.

while creating the most ambitious online programme support that the corporation has ever undertaken.

The games have been extremely well received, being met with rapturous reception from fans all over the world. You can join them at www. bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/games

Start-up company wins contract for the National Library of Wales

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ilford Haven-based dotnet works is working with the National Library of Wales (NLW) to bring some of the country’s most treasured images to a wider audience.

The new web development firm has created a website to publish 6500 photographs taken by Geoff Charles during the Second World War. The images of Wales and the Page 08

English border come from NLW’s archive of 120,000 photographs taken by the press photographer, who portrayed Welsh life through his camera lens for over 50 years.

Developers at dotnet works worked closely with NLW to realise the vision of a sophisticated, userfriendly site giving the public complete access to the images and associated records.

Through a searchable catalogue, visitors will be able to source images and the photographer’s notes, link to educational resources and create a personalised gallery to share with friends and family. dotnet works is currently testing the site for its launch — keep your eye on www.llgc.org.uk.

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New Assembly Government building on track

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he Welsh Assembly Government is building new state of the art offices in North Wales that will provide a First Stop Shop for the public and house around 550 posts.

The new office will be built on the site of the old Hotpoint factory at Llandudno Junction. Some 160 jobs will relocate from Cardiff, mainly in the Department for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks.

The company chosen to design and build the new offices is HBG Construction Ltd from Manchester. An impressive factor in their winning tender was their intention to ensure that local contractors play an important part in the development.

This is a fantastic opportunity for North Wales companies to become involved in both the long and short term.

Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services, Sue Essex said “The design of the new office incorporates materials such as slate and copper that have a strong association with North Wales. In keeping with the Assembly Government’s drive to promote sustainable development across Wales, the building will

attain a high standard of sustainable construction.”

“The building needs to be on a par with the new Assembly building in Cardiff Bay in achieving an excellent rating under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).”

Construction Director with HBG Construction Ltd., Ian Fleming commented: “We look forward to working in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government to design and construct this prestigious new office to serve people across the North Wales region.”

“We are already in discussions with the Assembly Government to identify opportunities for local companies, and are currently searching for builders, fabricators, landscapers, electricians, painters, security staff, caterers and fencing constructors. We are also in discussions regarding the sourcing of slate from a local quarry.”

It is worth noting that HBG Construction Ltd. has been very successful of late in the North — winning a place on the Welsh Health Estates Building Framework agreement which could lead

to long term opportunities for Welsh companies. But we must stress that high standards of practice are essential for any interested subcontractors.

Now is the time to ensure your Health and Safety, Environmental, Equal Opportunities and Quality Management policies are in place.

You also need to complete an “Approved List” form to qualify as a subcontractor. Developing your business to reach their high working standards is crucial due to the high quality of the work involved.

When construction is complete, there will be further opportunities and tenders for Welsh companies, including cleaning contracts, maintenance, biomass fuel and office supplies. These will be competitive tenders advertised through the central Assembly Procurement department. Now is the time to prepare and organise your business to secure your chance in winning future contracts.

If you’re interested in developing your company or for further information please contact Nia Môn on 01352 707835 nia.mon@ menterabusnes.co.uk Page 09

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Sustainable development is Business Sense

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onsidering the social and environmental implications of business can enhance reputation, improve efficiency, reduce health risks and save money.

This is the thinking behind Synnwyr Busnes — Business Sense, a new service that helps Welsh SMEs work

in more sustainable ways.

With free advice to the value of £2,000, SMEs in selected areas of Wales can identify their ecological footprint and develop strategies for sustainable working practices.

The service is partly funded by the European Union Objective

1 programme, together with the Welsh Assembly Government and University of Wales Bangor.

For details, contact Synnwyr Busnes — Business Sense on 01248 383709 or 382388 or visit www.synnwyr-busnes.org

Business booms with the right accreditions

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igel Mayne understands the value of business accreditations. He started up Maynes Land Tech in 1993, working a Forestry Commission contract to provide highway vegetation maintenance. But the ten-year contract ended abruptly in 2002, leaving Nigel and wife Helen with the challenge of reaching new customers.

The couple made contact with their

local business support services, and the business is now seeing tremendous growth under the guidance of the Assembly Government’s Local Supplier Development Project and Wrexham Council’s Urban II Project. With annual turnover exceeding £650,000, the company now employs 32 people at bases that stretch from Wales to Derby and Yorkshire.

Nigel and Helen attribute much of their success to having the right business accreditations. They achieved their ISO9001, IS014001 & IS018001 this year, and they’re now starting their Investors in People accreditation.

As recognised standard-bearers the company has grown in stature in the past year, and they can now tender for work with the UK’s largest construction companies.

Round up of Opening Doors Events

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oing business with the public sector can often be seen as complex and time consuming.

But the introduction of the Opening Doors Charter aims to make it easier for SMEs to tender for public sector contracts.

Wales spends over £4 billion annually on public sector procurement. But only 35% of this business is currently won

by Welsh companies. So public sector representatives are keen to engage SMEs in a two-way consultation to remove perceived barriers to trading.

This summer, over 700 businesses attended events throughout Wales with opportunities to meet key contacts in their local public sector environment.

From left: Gunther Kostyra — Head of Programme: Sustainable Procurement Policy, Sheila Powell — Strategic Procurement Officer, Newport City Council & Sean Hamill — Supplier Champion, Newport, Monmouthshire and Rhondda Cynon Taff Page 10

Alan Jones of the Local Supplier Development Project said: “Registrations on www.contractshop.co.uk increased dramatically during the roadshow. Our Supplier Champions are following up a range of enquiries and our ‘How to Tender’ workshops are becoming increasingly popular.”

Most SMEs are encouraged by the new Charter while some suggest change isn’t swift enough. This is perhaps inevitable as public sector organisational structures are rarely as agile as those of SMEs. Nevertheless, there is a clear commitment to turn the words into actions at the highest level.

Progress is being monitored by the Enterprise, Innovation & Networks Minister in his capacity as Chair of the Business Procurement Taskforce, which developed the Charter.

Public sector sponsors are confident their commitment to improving procurement will help the economy and secure jobs throughout Wales.

The original Charter documentation clarifies what the public sector has signed up to, as well as what is expected from SMEs in return.

See www.contractshop.co.uk for more details.

www.contractshop.co.uk

£thousands of Opportunities on www.contractshop.co.uk for the supply of networkready laptops.

Insight, a Sussex-based company with a regional office in Cardiff, is an established and respected management consultancy specialising in providing HR solutions.

The £5000 contract was open to IT dealers across Wales to equip the company’s visitors to prepare presentations on site and take advantage of new documentation resources.

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usinesses looking to procure goods and services can publish their requirements on www.contractshop.co.uk, where suppliers can view each opportunity and respond with a competitive quotation.

Contract Shop’s Opportunities Bulletin is part of the Local Supplier Development Project’s mission to encourage inter-trading between Welsh businesses. Opportunity posting on the site has gathered pace this year after a steady start. And with 8000 members able to view each opportunity, it looks like a healthy year ahead for local trading partnerships.

Here are some of the opportunities that have come out of Contract Shop...

Sourcing IT solutions In a bid to expand IT resources for their visitors, human resource experts Insight HR Consulting Ltd recently posted an opportunity

Within a week of posting the opportunity, Insight had received responses from 5 potential suppliers — an outcome that shows how Contract Shop is helping buyers and suppliers equally.

Building student accommodation It’s good news that University student numbers in Wales are on the increase, and Contract Shop recently posted an opportunity to support this welcome growth.

An £8 million contract was posted for North Wales companies to aid in the development of housing for university students at the University of Wales Bangor

were able to ask questions and make a positive first impression.

The project is due to begin this autumn and will be phased over the next 3 years. With over 1100 new students to house, the chosen contractors now have a busy time ahead.

Developing your business through Contract Shop As a potential supplier, you can register your details on www.contractshop.co.uk/ opportunities. Private sector buyers regularly search the supplier directory, so we recommend you provide as much information as possible. It’s also important to keep your details up to date.

And of course, if you’re looking for suppliers, remember Contract Shop can connect your business with a wealth of expertise.

You can post any number of opportunities. Just log on and see for yourself.

The two companies were looking for suppliers to provide a broad range of services, including groundworks, external works and the supply of building materials.

The invitation to tender was supported by a Meet The Buyer event in August, where interested suppliers Page 11

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Weblinks C

ontract trawls the web, bringing you the best information and resources for your business... www.businessballs.com Innovative concepts made simple, free and fun. This website features free resources for the ethical development of people and organisations. Here you’ll find ideas on enlightened business practice, including diversity, corporate responsibility and stress management. There are also free tools for effective business planning. www.whs.wales.nhs.uk Welsh Health Supplies provides links in the supply chain to NHS

Trusts, by managing contracts and materials. These include wide-ranging commodities, from fruit juice to catheters, from electricity to medical gases.

By co-ordinating the requirements of the Trusts, WHS can negotiate contracts that maximise the buying power of the NHS. www.eucenter.org General information on EU Programmes, where visitors can view opportunities for European Union funding. The EU Center website includes My EU Center Portal, a paid service that provides bespoke services, screening hundreds of public sources to identify funding opportunities that match your business profile.

Tendering for a local authority contract — explained

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ow does a company go about tendering for a local authority contract? Hywyn Pritchard, Procurement Officer for Ceredigion County Council, explains: “The way we deal with tender opportunities depends on the size and nature of the contract.

Those above the European threshold go through a process of advertisement, while those below may be awarded to companies on the tender lists.

Contractors can contact the County Council or introduce themselves at Procurement Road Shows. Then tendering questionnaires are sent out and various checks are made. We look at the financial standing of the company — usually at least two years of certified accounts — and examine their experience and technical capability. Past

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performance is taken into account and finally references are sought.

Once on the appropriate tender list, contracts are awarded to companies that represent the most economically advantageous option.

This isn’t always a case of going for the lowest price, as quality is an equally important part of our assessment criteria. Everything depends on the nature of the commodity. For example, sometimes we need to see accreditations or awards, and other times it’s less important.

We like to be as flexible as the contract allows, so it’s not always necessary for a company to have local premises — although sometimes this can lead logically to the best value option.”

For more information on tendering and procurement, see “A day in the life of a buyer”, page 7

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Contract Shop explained

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ontract Shop is an integral part of The Local Supplier Development Project — a Welsh Assembly Government initiative, funded by The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), run by a team of 10 Supplier Champions across Wales. The project sponsors regular events such as tendering workshops, Meet the Buyer and speed networking.

The Contract Shop website lies at the heart of the project, bringing you: • A database of over 8,000 Welsh businesses • An opportunity posting and matching facility • Up to date details of events across Wales • Good news stories about businesses winning contracts by working with their Local Supplier Champion.

Can you afford not to register? www.contractshop.co.uk