Empowering Local SMEs to Unlock Public Sector Opportunities at Carlow County Council’s Breakfast Seminar

Are you seeking to broaden the scope of your business endeavours?

Delve into the intricacies of engaging with public sector spending and unearth a variety of avenues to propel your company forward.

Carlow County Council is excited to announce a special breakfast seminar designed to empower SMEs, Micro-Businesses, and local organisations with the essential knowledge needed to successfully navigate the process of bidding for contracts with Carlow County Council and other entities within the broader Public Service.

Each year, Carlow County Council allocates a significant multi-million budget for the procurement of goods, services and works. However, it is often observed that local businesses either refrain from tapping into these opportunities or are not adequately prepared for the bidding process. This breakfast seminar aims to support local SMEs, guiding them through the complexities of public procurement and ultimately fostering local economic growth and sustainability within the community.

Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise, emphasises the importance of SMEs understanding the procurement process and methodology. "It's crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises to comprehend the intricacies of procurement to realise its potential as a commercial opportunity. This knowledge can significantly enhance their chances of success in securing valuable contracts."

The seminar will feature invaluable insights from industry experts and key figures within Carlow County Council. Coilín O'Reilly, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, will deliver the opening remarks, setting the tone for the event. Ger Dooley, Procurement Officer, will delve into the essentials of procurement specific to Carlow County Council, providing a comprehensive overview in just 20 minutes. Attendees will gain practical insights from a real-life case study presented by Jones Business Systems, showcasing experiences and best practices that have led to successful bids at both the regional and national levels.

Sarah Byrne, Business Advisor in Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, highlights the benefits of procurement from a sustainable business viewpoint. "Engaging in the procurement process not only opens up new business opportunities but also encourages sustainable practices. By understanding and adhering to sustainable procurement guidelines, businesses can contribute to a greener economy while enhancing their competitiveness."

Ger Dooley, Procurement Officer, underscores the goal of the seminar. "By delivery of this seminar we  aim to give people the tools and insights they need to avail of public procurement opportunities in particular with Carlow County Council . Our objective is to equip local businesses with the confidence,  knowledge and skills to participate in both local and national procurement activities."

Also during the seminar, Donnacha Phelan from Keystone Procurement will offer expert advice on developing winning bids tailored to public sector requirements. His session aims to elevate participants' bidding strategies, enhancing their chances of success in securing public sector contracts. The event will also provide a valuable networking opportunity, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, potential collaborators, and industry leaders, fostering relationships that could pave the way for future business ventures.

The seminar will conclude with a panel discussion featuring Ger Dooley, representatives from Keystone Procurement, and the case study presenters. Coilín O'Reilly will offer closing words and comments, summarising the key takeaways from the event.

Following the seminar, attendees can engage with members of the Carlow Local Enterprise Office (LEO) team for one-on-one mentoring to support their public procurement opportunities. Additionally, information on relevant courses and seminars will be available to help businesses stay informed about the latest trends and opportunities in public procurement.

Encouraging people to attend, Coilín O'Reilly, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council “The total value of public procurement nationwide is over €22 billion and this figure is growing every year. However, local businesses often refrain from tapping into these opportunities or are not prepared for the bidding process. This breakfast seminar is designed to support local SMEs, empowering them on their journey through public procurement, ultimately fostering local economic growth and sustainability within our community.

Local Businesses are encouraged to attend this enlightening event and take the first step towards unlocking the vast potential of public sector procurement for your business. Whether you aim to expand your network, gain insider knowledge, or discover practical insights, this seminar offers a unique opportunity to enhance your business strategies and stay ahead of the competition. Don't miss out on the chance to collaborate with industry leaders and drive growth and innovation for your organisation. The event is free of charge and booking can be done on www.localenterprise.ie/carlow or by calling 059/9129783

For further information contact Kieran Comerford on 086/8252037