North West councils praised for innovative procurement

Posted by Rachael Smith on 16th May 2013 at 12:27

THREE North West councils, Bury, Halton and Manchester, have been highlighted as being among the best for small firms to do business with.

The North West local authorities were judged to be among the 10 best councils to do business with and were selected for their innovative procurement practices for small businesses by a panel which included industry experts and local and central government representatives.

Speaking at a reception in Downing Street, local government minister Brandon Lewis said: “Small businesses are the heartbeat of the British economy, central to creating jobs, stimulating economic growth and innovation. But all too often we hear they are being excluded from procurement opportunities through overly bureaucratic processes.  

"It’s now time for all councils to act and make sure they cut back on unnecessary red tape which push up costs and make it harder for small firms to get on.”   

In total councils are responsible for procuring £58bn of goods and services. Lord Young recently recommended making it easier for small businesses to bid for £230bn a year of public sector contracts.

Sustainability Credential Ratings

Posted by Rachael Smith on 9th May 2013 at 15:42

The recent sustainability product to help buyers and suppliers rate their sustainability credentials has now been developed at :-

CIPS Sustainability Index

The CIPS Sustainability Index was developed to assist Buyers and Suppliers in their collaboration. Specifically, the Index deals with the common set of questions that Buyers need information on, and Suppliers understand are important. By creating a common standard, backed by the leading professional purchasing membership institute and years of ongoing academic research, the Index brings real efficiency to your relationships.

Companies are encouraged to visit the site and assess their environmental management credentials for use in public sector tendering.

Tender Management Training Success!

Posted by Rachael Smith on 3rd May 2013 at 9:33

We are delighted to have received some great news from an attendee of our recent Tender Management course at Liverpool Hope University, which was delivered to local SME's.

She advised that she had just won her company's first big bid using all of the top tips and techniques provided in the training. Without our training she is sure they 'would never have won'.

It is fantastic to hear that the skills gained from our training are being used effectively and winning contracts for local SME's!

TMCS approved as BIG Assist supplier

Posted by Rachael Smith on 23rd Apr 2013 at 16:31

Tender Management Community Services (TMCS)  are delighted to have been approved as a BIG Assist Supplier to offer support to infrastructure organisations. We can be found in the BIG Assist ‘marketplace’  

Big Assist is a programme for infrastructure organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector; delivered under contract to the Big Lottery Fund by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).

The programme works to support infrastructure organisations based in England, to be more efficient, effective, sustainable and better able to adapt to the current and future operating environment. For more information on the BIG Assist programme visit the BIG Assist website: www.bigassist.org.uk