Supplier Information Day- 27 October 2016
25 October 2016 14:30
This is an exciting opportunity for new and existing companies across a diverse range of sectors, including the SME sector, to come on board and work with NI Water.
As one of Northern Ireland’s largest companies, there are fantastic opportunities available to tender for large and small contract requirements within NI Water. Supply options for almost every kind of material are on the table, from soap in our employee bathrooms to major engineering services.
Ronan Larkin, NI Water’s Director of Finance and Regulation explains:
“In the 2015/16 financial year alone, NI Water awarded contracts to the value of £224 million to suppliers and contractors. Many of these contracts have benefited local firms in many sectors, not least the construction and engineering sector, thereby continuing to support our local economy at this time.
“As an example of our commitment to assisting the Northern Ireland economy, NI Water recently placed an order with Dungannon based company Donnelly Group Ltd to supply 41 of NI Water’s corporate vehicles. NI Water is delighted to have this arrangement in place with a prominent local company to ensure the servicing and supply of our distinctive vehicle fleet, and we are equally pleased to support the local economy in this way.
“However, I am aware that the procurement system can appear to be complex for many companies seeking to tender for opportunities available. Therefore, we are inviting businesses to attend our ‘Supplier Day’ event in October to give suppliers an opportunity to meet the NI Water procurement teams. Our Procurement Team will be on hand to cover the range of goods, services and construction opportunities required by NI Water and will answer any questions potential suppliers may have”.
“Joining us again this year is InterTradeIreland who will be on hand to provide advice, particularly in the area of consortium bid opportunities.
“I would strongly encourage the local business community, whatever your focus, to come along and meet our procurement teams.”
Raymond Donnelly, Managing Director of Donnelly Group Ltd, said:
‘‘As a local firm with many years of experience to our name, we were delighted to be awarded the contract to supply NI Water’s well known fleet of branded, white corporate vehicles. These are a familiar sight to customers right across Northern Ireland, advertising both NI Water and the fact that a local company has been engaged to provide the vehicles.
‘‘I would encourage all ambitious businesses in Northern Ireland to consider attending NI Water’s Suppliers’ Day; the opportunities to obtain a potentially significant contract could make all the difference in a business.’’
Thomas Hunter McGowan, Chief Executive of InterTrade Ireland said:
“We are delighted to once again be involved with this event in order to support SMEs in attendance with procurement advice and support, particularly in relation to advice on forming consortia and collaborative bids on an all-island basis.
“For some suppliers, the concept of engaging in Public Sector tendering and procurement can be seen as intimidating and bureaucratic.
“Sadly, this perception alone can stop businesses, particularly SMEs, from competing for potentially lucrative contracts when the reality is that, because of their size, they may be best placed to offer flexibility, value and innovative solutions to meet the demands of buyers in the public sector.
“NI Water’s now annual ‘Supplier Day’ event is a great opportunity for potential suppliers across the island, and further afield, to understand how best to engage in these procurement opportunities.”
The ‘Supplier Day’ is on Thursday 27 October 2016. The event, which is being held at the NI Water Training Centre in Antrim, is designed for all current and potential suppliers to learn more about NI Water’s procurement process, our requirements over the next 12 months and how to respond to tenders.
Those interested in booking a 20 minute meeting slot with a procurement officer are required to pre-book by completing the registration form available on our website and emailing it to sourcing@niwater.com Places are limited and will be allocated on a strictly first come, first served basis.
If you would like further information, please go to the Tenders Section - Goods, Materials and Services’ page on our website and click on “Supplier Information Events”.
ENDS
NI Water’s training centre is based at 61 Milltown Road, Antrim, BT41 4NW.
Photo Caption (l-r) Neil Winters, NI Water; Raymond Donnelly, Donnelly Group Ltd, Dungannon; Jane Mellor, Head of Operational Procurement, NI Water; and Ronan Larkin, Director of Finance and Regulation, NI Water.
Media enquiries to NI Water Press Office on 028 9035 4710 or press.office@niwater.com.