Press Release: Business first for Chamber and Warwick District

Coventry and Warwickshire businesses have been given a new way of accessing leading public sector contracts in the area.

The Chamber of Commerce and Warwick District Council have reached an agreement which will mean all council tenders will be advertised to Chamber members as well as on the Council’s own website and supply2.gov.uk site which handles public contracts.

As part of a trial which started in December 2009, members in relevant sectors have so far been sent immediate notice of three tenders for contracts of varying sizes encouraging them to express an interest.

Dianne Williams, director of operations and marketing at the Chamber, said: “We know that quite a few of our members are keen to access public sector work.

“Some are registered on the supply2 website but there is evidence that some companies are put off by a perception that there is a great deal of red tape involved and a belief that the contracts are too large for smaller firms.

“That is not the case and we want to make access to public sector contracts even easier for members.

“On the other side, councils are keen to give local companies a chance to bid for contracts as it makes sense in so many ways. This arrangement helps everyone.

“We have a good relationship with Warwick District Council and are delighted they are helping us trial the scheme.”

So far, Chamber members have been informed about contracts for painting and decorating, creating baby changing facilities and window cleaning.

Melanie Gillman, Procurement Manager for Warwick District Council, said: “The Council is always trying new ways of encouraging our local suppliers to bid for our contracts as this supports our local economy.

“The partnership with the Chamber of Commerce has enabled us to increase the awareness of opportunities to work with the Council.

“We are obliged to offer our contracts in an ‘open and transparent’ manner in order to maintain competition. In building on our good relationship with the Chamber and pro-actively supporting our local businesses by helping them access the relevant information we hope the businesses and the Council will both reap the benefits.”

Chris Elliott, chief executive of the council, added: “In these difficult economic times it’s important for the local private and public sectors to work better together for the common good. 

“So when people talk about the public sector finances they don't realise how much of it filters through directly to the private sector in terms of contracts.” 

Media enquiries:
Adam Dent
Advent Communications
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