e-tender seminars

Over recent months Logon.ni has held a series of successful seminars throughout the Province. The subject covered by these sessions is e-procurement (or e-tenders).

The object of the seminars is to highlight an alternative method for small and medium sized buisnesses (SME's) in Northern Ireland to search out new business opportunities, and help them develop business practices to open up markets outside normal trading areas.

Large organisations are procuring goods electronically because it is cheaper to do so and they get economies of scale, within a few years smaller businesses will follow suit. Local councils, the NHS and other major companies either are, or will very shortly only trade using electronic means. So, companies who are not employing e-procurement run a very great risk in being excluded from lucrative contracts.

During the sessions Logon.ni advisers spend a short while explaining what e-procurement is and why it is important for companies to adopt new methods of using the internet to search out new business opportunities. Businesses attending the seminars are shown examples of where contract tenders are advertised, and are encouraged to register their company (free of charge) to receive e-mail notification of upcoming opportunities within their business sector. Companies wishing to register with e-procurement websites receive one-to-one guidance from Logon.ni advisers in completing the on-line forms, and leave the seminar better equipped to expand their customer base.

Logon.ni has assisted over 70 businesses to register with e-procurement websites such as www.supply2.gov.uk and www.e-tenders.gov.ie These companies are now receiving regular notifications of tender opportunities for their products or services.

Whether your company sells pencils or office furniture, or if you specialise in contract cleaning or electrical services there are opportunities for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors to supply goods and services to organisations such as Local and Regional Government, NHS Trusts, Colleges and Universities or Social Service departments. Public sector spending in the UK regularly exceeds £150 billion per year, which offers a great opportunity for small and medium sized businesses to buck the trend and continue to grow, especially in the current economic climate.

Logon.ni advisers are available to visit your business to discuss e-procurement, help your company register with e-procurement websites and explain on-line tendering procedures in more detail.

If you are interested in finding out more about how e-procurement can benefit your business call Logon.ni on 028-8283-9012, and we will arrange for an adviser to visit you or advise you of upcoming seminars in your area.