Integrated Business Enterprise
At Integrated Business Enterprise (IBE), we know how difficult it is for small businesses to access public sector contracts. That is why we bring together small businessees with differenct skills and expertise to tender for big contracts.
Further information on how we may be able to help your business access public sector contracts can be found on the IBE website.
Selling to NHS
The Health Service is looking to work more closely with local business. Recent workshops have helped bring this about. The buying policy emphasises value for money which does not necessarily mean lowest price. Weightings are given to the various criterion for success. Nearly all contracts are now advertised on the web. The principal one for NHS in Cornwall is Tactica (you will need to register (3-5 working days for user name/password) to access all information but a synopsis of available contracts can be found at Current Opportunities). Invitations to tender are relatively straightforward and are contained in 8 documents on a similar number of pages. These should be easy to read but if applicants have any difficulty they are encouraged to contact the administrator or help line. Considerable effort is being put in to be user friendly to business applicants.
For more info contact Lisa Symons, Head of Procurement and Supplies:
E-mail: lisa.symons@cornwall.nhs.uk
Tel: 01209 310040
Selling to Cornwall Council
In order to help business the Council has produced a Guide on selling to it. This sets out where to find details of business opportunities, how to tender for the contract and explains what is expected from suppliers. This is available on the website Cornwall Council website, along with other helpful information.
Also, there is a link to the website, Tenders in Cornwall, where the Council and other Authorities advertise all opportunities over the value of £10,000. Suppliers can register free of charge and relevant opportunities are electronically sent to the supplier when available.
The Council is developing a revised policy on how it will engage with business. This will include:
· Improving visibility and access to information on contracts and opportunities –
Comprehensive Contracts database is now being compiled.
· Signing up to the Small Business Friendly Concordat for Cornwall Council
· Streamlining and simplifying the bidding process – providing a clear step by step
overview.
· Providing various schemes to support business including new guidance
documents,
'Meet the Buyer' events, and regular forums with business representative bodies.
· Arranging debriefs and timely feedbacks on request for both successful and
unsuccessful contract bidders.
For more info contact:
Chris Bray, Senior Procurement Advisor (Acting), Cornwall Council
Tel: 01872 323941
Email: crbray@cornwall.gov.uk