Free Public Procurement Courses for Business

January 2010 has seen Government launch a new on-line procurement course “Winning the Contract”.  This is a FREE resource to help businesses (and in particular SMEs) learn about public procurement and how to bid for public sector contracts.  The course can be accessed via the Business Link webpage at:   www.businesslink.gov.uk/procurement

The course introduces businesses to the key procurement processes, including:

• identifying the advantages and disadvantages of dealing with public bodies
• understanding how different types of contracts are defined, advertised and dealt with
• understanding approved supplier lists and framework agreements
• searching for and finding public sector opportunities
• identifying the key stages in the tendering process

It also has a useful Resource section, case studies, and a Hints and Tips download.

Stroud District Council understand how important it is for businesses to maintain a vibrant local market where possible.  At Council we also try to procure locally, and figures at November 2009 indicated 40% of invoices are made out to local businesses.