A major new initiative, to help Suffolk companies bid for, and win, contracts from the public sector, has been launched.

Could your firm get a slice of the action?

The Suffolk Growth Programme Board, working on behalf of the public sector in the county, says it is making excellent headway with a review of procurement practices across Suffolk.

The aim is to better understand how public sector procurement currently operates, and what can be done in a legal and consistent way to encourage more Suffolk-based firms to tender for and secure contracts.

The size of public sector spend in Suffolk is considerable: in 2017 it was estimated to be worth £1.9bn.

In the summer, the SGPB commissioned Suffolk Chamber of Commerce to survey local businesses on their recent experiences of pitching for public sector opportunities and what improvements they would like to see.

Nearly 400 firms responded, making this one of the most successful surveys conducted by Suffolk Chamber.

Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council and chair of the Growth Portfolio Holders said: “the results and analysis of this survey is a critical step in enabling us to better engage with our local businesses and understand how we can ensure future tender opportunities are publicised and promoted in the local market.”

The Suffolk Growth Programme Board has commissioned Suffolk Chamber to run six workshops to help businesses understand how they can bid for local public sector contracts.

Wednesday October 24 –Ivy House Country Hotel, Lowestoft

Thursday November 29 – Ashlar House, Bury St Edmunds

Friday November 30 – Ipswich Town Football Club

For further information and to book: https://www.suffolkchamber.co.uk/events-networking/suffolk-chamber-events/