Argyll and Bute Council is committed to keeping local businesses informed of opportunities available to them when tendering for contracts for council services and is encouraging them to attend a local Procurement Surgery.

The series of informative surgeries provides an opportunity to meet procurement officers, learn about the council’s procurement procedures and find out more about forthcoming contract opportunities and the support available through the Supplier Development Programme.

Last year (2016/2017) the council awarded contracts worth a total value of £7.6 million to local companies.

Contracts vary in cost and size, and include re-roofing, fire alarm installations and upgrades and replacements of heating systems, refurbishment of buildings, electrical works, bridge strengthening, parking machines and traffic management works.

Councillor Rory Colville, Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Customer and Support Services, said:

“As a council we are working to support a diverse and thriving economy across Argyll and Bute and this innovative approach gives local contractors an opportunity to get involved and bid for work.

“The Procurement Surgeries will be of real benefit and allow potential contractors to meet the council’s buyers and find out more about changes in the approach to tendering requirements.

“If you are a local contractor interested in tendering for contracts, it will be beneficial to you.”

“While EU procurement rules mean we are unable to discriminate in favour of local suppliers, the council is committed to making sure that local businesses are aware of the opportunities and can access support to help them tender successfully.”

Procurement Surgeries will be held in:

• Argyll House, Dunoon on Tuesday, 31 October

• Kilmory, Lochgilphead on Wednesday, 1 November

• Aqualibrium, Campbeltown on Wednesday, 8 November

• Eaglesham House, Rothesay on Tuesday, 21November

• Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre on Wednesday, 29th November and

• Lorn House, Oban on Wednesday, 6 December 2017.  

Each surgery takes place between 10.30am and 1.30pm at each location and any contractor interested in bidding for business is urged to book an appointment in advance by getting in touch with Gillian Allenby, Procurement Analyst, by Friday, 27 October 2017 by emailing procurement@argyll-bute.gov.uk or calling 01700 501358.

You will be asked to provide your contact details, which event you would like to attend, the nature of your business and any topics you would like to discuss to allow the buyers to prepare in advance and make best use of the time available.