Businesses invited to ‘Meet the Buyer’ and hear about Northern Ireland-wide public sector procurement opportunities

Businesses have been invited to hear about upcoming procurement opportunities available within the public sector in Northern Ireland. A ‘Meet the Buyer’ event will take place in Belfast City Hall on Wednesday, March 25, 9am-1pm, organised by Belfast City Council, in partnership with InterTradeIreland. Open to businesses, social enterprises and voluntary and community organisations across the island of Ireland, the event will highlight a wide range of public procurement opportunities, including contracts available through the £850 million Belfast Region City Deal. The council, other local authorities, Translink, NI Water, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, the Department for Infrastructure, the NI Housing Executive, Education Authority, Construction and Procurement Delivery (CPD) and the Office of Government Procurement (Ireland) are among those taking part. Attendees can chat directly to buyers and support organisations, including InterTradeIreland, the Federation of Small Businesses and Belfast Chamber, to hear more about how the procurement process works within the public sector in Northern Ireland and get practical advice and support on how to find and submit tender bids.

“This is a really unique cross-border event, bringing together public sector buyers here with suppliers throughout Ireland,” said councillor Natasha Brennan, chair of the council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee. “In Belfast, we’ve worked hard to ensure our own council procurement processes are making a positive difference to local communities, with 85% of our annual spend now going towards small and medium businesses. “We’re keen to share our learning with others and do what we can to encourage more businesses to tap into exciting opportunities available with us, and other public sector organisations, both now and in the future. And, by listening to local firms, including those interested in cross-border trade, we can continue to refine our processes further and make sure they are responsive to evolving market needs.”

Caroline Sweeney, trade manager at InterTradeIreland explained: “InterTradeIreland connects business to opportunities across the island, and we’re delighted to partner with Belfast City Council on the upcoming ‘Meet the Buyer’ event. “With cross-border trade at an all-time high, harnessing the opportunities it presents, is one of the most effective ways to scale and sustain growth. “We encourage businesses from Northern Ireland and Ireland to come to Belfast City Hall on 25 March. You can explore the huge potential of cross-border procurement and collaboration, plus tap into support to win public contracts both locally and across the island.” Places for the ‘Meet the Buyer’ event are limited, and registration is essential. To sign up, visit the Belfast City Council website here.