Greater opportunities for SMEs in €12 billion public procurement market

The message from Dan McInerney, Acting Chief Executive of Carlow County Council is “SMEs need to be encouraged to avail of the €12 billion public procurement market and by not engaging with it they are missing a significant opportunity for business development ” . With this in mind and as part of its pro-active engagement programme for supporting the Carlow Business Community the Local Enterprise Office is hosting a Winning Public Sector Contracts Seminar to help companies understand the process involved in preparing a winning bid.

Despite the significant opportunities in the sector a recent monitor by InterTradeIreland indicated that only 14% of SMEs across the island have bid on a public sector tender during 2014, with less than a quarter of firms surveyed having bid for a tender on a cross-border basis in the neighbouring jurisdiction.

It is important to note that Public procurement represents a huge opportunity for SMEs. Aside from capital projects, the State spends about €23 million a day on purchasing goods and services. This is a significant contribution to the domestic economy.

Head of Enterprise, Kieran Comerford explained that “this seminar is designed with your business in mind and will go through the various steps involved in preparing a winning tender”. Further supports can be provided the Local Enterprise Office which is part of Carlow County Council in preparing a winning bid. The event will be held on 25^th February 2015 from 9.30am-11.30am and is free of charge for Carlow Companies to attend. SMEs interested in obtaining further information should visit www.localenterprise.ie/carlow or call 059/9130880 or view our brochure Local Enterprise Office Training, Development and Support Programme 2015

-ENDS-

Kieran Comerford - Head of Enterprise

Local Enterprise Office - Carlow County Council       

Carlow County Council

Enterprise House

O'Brien Road

Carlow

Phone (059) 9129781 Fax: (059) 9141503

E-mail:  kcomerford@carlowcoco.ie   

Web:   www.localenterprise.ie/carlow