Partner Article

Partnership working to make £70m savings

A REGIONAL initiative is setting out to make savings of over £70m in the next five years after unveiling a new strategy for local businesses in the North East.

The North Eastern Purchasing Organisation (NEPO) re-launched on Friday, 19th November, armed a new collaborative approach to procurement across the public sector and a mission to help the region’s suppliers have access to better opportunities.

The re-launch follows the Government Spending Review and took place as part of the North East Improvement and Efficiency Partnership’s (NEIEP) Signature Project scheme, which identifies and sponsors programmes with the potential to make large savings in the region.

During the re-launch event, held at St James Park, NEPO announced the need for bold new strategies in public sector procurement and showcased new approaches which will give small local businesses greater opportunity to bid for public sector contracts up to £500m in value during interactive workshops.

Organisers said they were amazed at the response to the event, as the number of anticipated attendees was more than tripled, to over 500 delegates.

Ian Taylor, Director of NEPO, said: “Interest in the event was huge, which is very encouraging. These are difficult times for everyone, but it is vital that the region’s suppliers have an up-to-date understanding of how local government will buy goods and services in future and be ready to adapt to changing circumstances to contribute to local economic recovery.

“The relationship between public and private sector has never been more vital and both sides must adapt and share knowledge to achieve the best outcomes for everyone.

“Authorities can make significant savings through collaboration and we hope that we can work with SMEs to understand potential opportunities and then to compete for the region’s contracts.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .