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.

Link to Strategic Growth

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.

Link to Risk Management

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.

Link to Cash Flow Management

Digital Skills

Business Gateway offers extensive support in digital skills, including regular webinars and one to one sessions with specialist advisers.

Link to Digital Skills

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.

Link to Becoming Lender Ready

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.

Link to SMAS

Webinars

Business Gateway provides a range of regular free webinars that aim to support business development.

Link to Webinars

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.

Link to Research Service