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Ministry of Defence set to engage with North East SMEs

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) are visiting the North East to engage with small and medium sized businesses, as well as informing local businesses how to best sell their products and services.

Second quarter statistics for 2014 show £3.102 billion worth of goods were sold to foreign markets from the region, an increase of £273 million and 9.66% compared to the same period last year.

The MoD spends approximately £18.5 billion a year procuring a wide variety of products and services to support the Armed Forces, both on operations and in peacetime.

Popular products and services include stationary, furniture, consultancy services, clothing, food and estate and facilities management amongst many other industries.

North-east based, supply chain development organisation, NDI UK is hosting the event in partnership with the MoD and North Tyneside council.

Defence Suppliers’ Service Manager at the MoD, Philip Margerison, said: “The MoD often source products and services from SMEs across the UK as there are many business opportunities highlighted on a weekly basis via the MoD Defence Contracts Online (MoD DCO) portal, where companies can access online and free of charge all MoD’s publishable tender and contract opportunities valued in excess of £10k.

“We’re always delighted to meet new businesses in the UK and see how they might possibly supply the MoD.”

NDI Executive Director, David Townsley, said: “NDI are delighted to be bringing the MoD back to the region to talk about procurement opportunities with local firms.

“It will be a great opportunity for local businesses to learn how to identify and tender for business opportunities with one of the largest organisations in the country.”

The workshop is being held on November 20th at Village Hotel, Cobalt Business Park.

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