Going Local 2019 will match local suppliers with public sector buyers

A major event aimed at local suppliers who want to find out how to work with the public services is taking place in Exeter later this month.

The Going Local 2019 event has been organised by the Devon and Cornwall Procurement Partnership, and will be held at Exeter Corn Exchange on Tuesday 29 October, 10am-2pm.

Among those taking part are South West Police Procurement Department, Exeter City Council, Torbay Council, Devon County Council, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, and Teignbridge District Council.

This event will provide suppliers with the opportunity to:

• Meet and get advice from a wide range of public sector procurement specialists
• Attend seminars by expert speakers from across a range of sectors and disciplines
• Learn how to access opportunities to bid for public sector contracts
• Understand how to use the Supplying the South West procurement portal
• Network with other local organisations

The event will be opened by Cllr Duncan Wood, Exeter City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Support Services and Procurement.

Cllr Wood said: “Events like this are great for matching many of the quality local suppliers we have in Devon with buyers from the public sector. Procuring in this way stimulates the local economy, creates jobs and increases prosperity in the region.”

Devon County Councillor Barry Parsons said: “I am delighted that Devon County Council is linking collaboratively with so many public sector buying organisations to give all suppliers who are interested in working with Devon, the opportunity to meet buyers direct and understand how best to engage with the procurement process, through which our business opportunities are advertised.”

Guest speakers taking part are:

Alastair Mumford, Corporate Energy Manager at Devon County Council, presenting Devon County Council’s response to the climate emergency and the part that suppliers can play. Presentations are 10.30am to 11am, and 12pm to 12.30pm.

Mickey Howard, Professor of Supply Chain Management at the University of Exeter Business School, presenting on circular economy implementation and the South West agri-food sector, from a procurement and supply perspective. The presentation is 11.15am to 11.45am.

For more information or to register email ECCprocurement@exeter.gov.uk