Mayo businesses invited to register for north-west public procurement event

Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Frank Feighan, is encouraging businesses from across the North-West to register for a free SME Breakfast Briefing taking place at the Clayton Hotel, Sligo, on Tuesday, September 8. The event is being organised by the Office of Government Procurement.

The event, which runs from 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., will bring together public sector buyers and enterprise support organisations to help SMEs learn about and access public procurement opportunities.

Minister Feighan said: “As someone who previously ran a number of businesses, including a newsagents and bar and restaurant in Boyle, Co Roscommon, I know firsthand the vital role that small and family businesses play in our economy and in communities across the country. They create jobs, drive innovation and provide essential services. This event is about making it easier for businesses to engage with the public sector, understand how the procurement process works and compete successfully for Government contracts. I would encourage businesses from across the North-West to come along, meet procurement professionals and learn more about the opportunities available.”

The Sligo event builds on the success of Ireland's first Government Supply Expo and a series of SME focused webinars launched earlier this year to help businesses navigate the public procurement process.

Businesses attending will have the opportunity to meet directly with procurement professionals and buyers from a range of public sector organisations, including the Office of Government Procurement, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, InterTradeIreland, the National Enterprise Hub, Sligo County Council, Mayo County Council, Sligo Local Enterprise Office and a number of other public sector bodies.

Attendees will also receive practical guidance on participating in public procurement, learn about the supports available to SMEs, hear about future tendering opportunities and network with fellow businesses from across the region.

The event forms part of the Government's commitment, through the forthcoming National Strategy for Public Procurement, to increase SME participation in public sector procurement and ensure businesses of all sizes have greater access to public sector opportunities.

Attendance is free of charge, but advance registration is essential as places are limited.

Businesses can register here.