Procurement experts from the county’s largest public sector organisations have been lined up to speak at an event aimed at giving Staffordshire businesses help to tap into £1 billion worth of procurement opportunities.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s next Big Business Breakfast will give guests the guidance to improve bidding success and make important connections.
Keynote speaker Paul Doherty, Procurement Director at Heathrow Airport, is actively seeking Staffordshire businesses to join their supply chain, as previously reported by Daily Focus.
He will talk through Heathrow’s procurement needs and requirements, how businesses can join their supply chain, and how they engage and work with SME businesses.
Paul said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in Staffordshire Chamber’s Big Business Breakfast.
“Over 60 per cent of our supply chain is outside of London and we spent over £119 million in the West Midlands last year.
“We’ve recently announced our £2.3 billion investment plan for the next two years. It’s the largest private investment in UK transport infrastructure – and so there’s never been a better time to get involved with our supply chain.
“As a manufacturing hub, Staffordshire businesses are well placed to work with us and help us deliver our ambitious investment plans. We’re delighted to be working with Staffordshire Chamber, and we’re looking forward to meeting the wider business community in March.”
Paul will be joined at the event by Paul Timmins, Head of Procurement at Staffordshire County Council and Nathan Joy-Johnson, Group Director of Procurement at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. Together, these experts oversee more than £1 billion in procurement contracts.
Sarah Colclough, Bid Writing Expert at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, will also provide top tips for creating compelling bids that stand out from the competition.
Gemma Whalley, Head of Marketing and Events at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “We created the Big Business Breakfast series to give Staffordshire businesses access to the latest key information, delivered by world-class experts.
“This event couldn’t be more timely — with procurement legislation changing, we want to make sure our local businesses are ready to make the most of the opportunities ahead, driving inward investment and growth for the entire county.”
The Big Business Breakfast takes place at the bet365 stadium, in Stoke-on-Trent, from 8.30am until 11.30am on Friday, 28 March.
It is open to both Chamber members and non-Chamber members.
For more information, or to register, click here.
