News & Events

In an effort to bolster the North East of England tech sector, we recently collaborated with Dynamo North East C.I.C., a not-for-profit tech sector membership organisation dedicated to strengthening the region's tech ecosystem. The event provided valuable insights into public sector procurement and how businesses can engage with these opportunities.

Key Highlights from the Event

A major highlight of the event was the introduction of Open, NEPO’s new e-procurement platform designed to simplify the process of discovering and competing for public sector contracts. Graham Kelly, Open Product Owner, explained that this system will gradually replace the NEPO Portal, becoming the primary platform for accessing procurement opportunities from NEPO and other local authorities.

The full transition for all local authorising transitioning to Open is scheduled for 28th October 2024 Suppliers wishing to access NEPO’s 6,000 annual competitive opportunities must be registered on Open. Registration is free and straightforward – simply visit the website and select ‘Get Started’. Open provides a variety of resources, including step-by-step guides, videos, and FAQs through Open Hub.

Supporting Suppliers and Advancing Social Value

Keith Lamb, Social Value and Supplier Coordinator at NEPO, offered an overview of the NSPP, NEPO’s supplier partnership programme, and discussed the importance of social value in procurement. The NSPP provides free workshops and events designed to help suppliers navigate public sector contracts, covering topics such as bid writing, integrating social value, and public sector tendering.

NSPP events are open to all suppliers across the North East and Tees Valley, aiming to enhance their chances of winning contracts.  You can sign up for the NSPP newsletter here.

Keith emphasised that social value is integral to every NEPO contract, focusing on economic growth and achieving net-zero goals. By incorporating social, economic, and environmental benefits into procurement processes, NEPO and its suppliers make a significant impact on the communities they serve.

ICT Procurement Insights

Nick McDonald, Procurement Specialist at NEPO, provided valuable insights into the ICT market. He highlighted that the UK public sector spent £17.49 billion on ICT in 2023, with £224.16 million spent in the North East alone. A 2021 review of NEPO’s ICT offerings revealed gaps that needed addressing.

To address these gaps, NEPO formed a collaborative partnership with YPO, resulting in a range of ICT solutions tailored to meet public sector needs. This partnership has covered approximately £370 million of public sector spending. NEPO’s enhanced ICT framework now includes hardware, infrastructure, software, and telecommunications.

Nick remarked:

“I was delighted to present at the public sector procurement insights event in partnership with Dynamo. Effective procurement strategies are essential for driving innovation and efficiency. It was encouraging to see strong engagement from local businesses.

“By sharing best practices and understanding the latest trends in technology, we can enhance our competitive edge and foster regional economic growth. I look forward to continued collaboration and exploring new opportunities with the local business community.”

Reflections on the Event

Dr David Dunn, CEO of Dynamo, reflected on the event after its conclusion, highlighting its success and the potential it revealed. He noted:

"The event was a great success in showcasing the vast opportunities within public sector procurement. With the North East market worth over £200 million, it’s clear that understanding procurement processes and bid writing is crucial for local organisations.

“By providing these insights and tools, we’re helping businesses navigate the complexities of procurement and seize the opportunities available."

Conclusion

The event offered valuable insights for local businesses looking to engage with public sector procurement and helps create opportunities for innovation and business development.