Procurement & Tendering Support
Procurement and tendering can seem complex, so we have listed some of the various free training and support options available in this section.
The Association must take consideration of various legislation and regulations in relation to its procurement and tendering processes with some being classed as ‘regulated procurements’ if they breach certain thresholds.
All the Associations regulated procurements will be advertised on the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) portal and must follow designated procedures to ensure they meet those regulations. The Scottish Government is aware however these procedures can seem complex and may act as a barrier to interested parties wishing to participate. It has therefore put in place free training and advice which can be accessed below.
Supplier Development Programme https://www.sdpscotland.co.uk/
Supplier User guides for PCS https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/helpandresources/userguides
Business Gateway Shetland
There is also business support available through Business Gateway Shetland for any contractors looking to tap into the volume of work scheduled over the next ten years by both Hjaltland and the Shetland Islands Council.
Below is just some of the areas that Business Gateway Shetland can provide support on:
Strategic Growth
Taking the decision to grow a business means embracing the risks that come with growth. Business Gateway specialist advisers can help you with this process.
Risk Management
It's essential to plan thoroughly to protect yourself from the impact of potential crises. Business Gateway advisers can help you in identifying both global and more specific risks, and help you mitigate against them to protect your business.
Cash Flow Management
Having a handle on your finances is essential to running a business. Business Gateway can help you understand the most important elements of financial planning to ensure you are tracking and controlling how much money flows in and out of your business in order to accurately forecast ahead.
Digital Skills
Business Gateway offers extensive support in digital skills, including regular webinars and one to one sessions with specialist advisers.
Becoming Lender Ready
Business Gateway can help you produce or update your business plan and identify sources of funding that might be relevant for your organisation.
Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS)
Business Gateway can refer you to SMAS to help transform the ways you operate your business processes and take advantage of new opportunities, such as efficiency and cost saving measures, that will increase productivity and boost competitiveness.
Webinars
Business Gateway provides a range of regular free webinars that aim to support business development.
Research Service
Business Gateway specialises in desk-based research and subscribes to all of the relevant databases that supply up-to-date, reliable, premium data – saving your business time and money.