Useful links
4ps (Public Private Partnership Programme)
4ps is the local government procurement expert, providing advice, guidance and skills development to local authorities undertaking projects, procurement and partnerships. This includes private finance initiative (PFI) schemes, strategic service partnerships and all other forms of partnership working.
Business Link - Practical advice for business
A government-backed initiative to support small and medium-sized businesses across the UK.
Free public procurement course for businesses
Launched on 25th January 2010 an on-line public procurement courseWinning the Contract.This is a free resource to help businesses learn about public procurement and how to bid for public sector contracts.
The on-line training course supports businesses/suppliers (in particularly SMEs) learn about the public sector procurement process, and how they can bid for, and possibly win, public sector contracts.
The course, which is available via the Business Link webpage at:www.businesslink.gov.uk/procurement will introduce 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.
Opportunities to tender
The Supplier and Contract Management System (SCMS) website contains information about current and future Council tenders and allows you to download and submit tenders on-line
Federation of Small Businesses
The FSB is the largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms.
IDeA (The Improvement and Development Agency)
The IDeA is the national body for supporting local authorities and it provides a wealth of case studies and advice for all services, including procurement.
Office of Government Commerce
The OGC works with government to improve procurement and project/programme management. It also works with suppliers to make the government marketplace more efficient and attractive to business.
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) is an international organisation, based in the UK, serving the purchasing and supply profession. Dedicated to promoting best practice CIPS provides a wide range of services for the benefit of members and the wider business community.
The Society of Procurement Officers
The Society of Procurement Officers in Local Government (SOPO) engages in a range of activities to promote its strategic purchasing, contracting and supplies functions. Representing over 1700 members, SOPO provides area networks and forums and produces guidance on best practice.