£130 million ready to spend!
03 March 2014 15:50
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 tremendous opportunities available to tender for large and small contract requirements within NI Water.
Ronan Larkin, Director of Finance and Regulation explained:
“In the 2012/13 financial year alone, NI Water spent £272 million with suppliers and contractors. Many of these contracts have benefited local firms, in many sectors including the construction sector, thereby supporting our local economy at this time.
“However, I am aware that the procurement system can appear to be complex for companies seeking to tender for opportunities available. Therefore, we are inviting businesses to attend a ‘Suppliers Day’ 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 and services required by NI Water and will answer any questions potential suppliers may have.
“This year, I am delighted to announce InterTradeIreland will also be in attendance to provide advice particularly in the area of consortium bid opportunities.
“I would strongly encourage the business community to come along and meet our procurement teams.”
Thomas Hunter McGowan, CEO of InterTradeIreland said:
“We are delighted to be involved with the NI Water ‘Suppliers' and 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.
“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.
“Northern Ireland Water’s ‘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 ‘Suppliers Day’ is on Thursday 13 March 2014 from 9:30 to 14:30. The event, which is being held at the NI Water Training Centre, Antrim, is designed for suppliers and potential suppliers to learn more about NI Water’s procurement process and its requirements over the next 18 months and how to respond to tenders.
Those interested in attending the day need to pre-register 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 first come, first served basis.
If you would like further information, please click here.