News Update

Week Ending 16th September 2005

Workshops for SMEs wishing to Supply the Public Sector

A series of free workshops, aimed at small and medium enterprises interested in supplying the public sector, are being held in the North West.  The workshops will help increase a company’s tender successes by developing their skills in tender exercises.  These workshops are supported by the NWDA and are being sponsored by SBS.

Should you know of any companies that wish to attend, or would benefit from attending please circulate the flyer - this is available by clicking here

Re-generation in the North West

Colin had a meeting with Phil Barton, director of RENEW, this week.  RENEW has a role in encouraging re-generation in the North West which is closely linked to the sustainable communities agenda.  NWCE and RENEW will run a joint conference early in the New Year.

Standard OJEU Advert Wording

A clause to be included in all future contracts to allow them to be shared with other public bodies has been drafted.  The clause is used by OGC Buying Solutions and the bodies listed within the text can be amended as required, dependant on the framework agreement.  The Clause is as follows:

“The authority letting the agreement requires to establish Framework Agreements by or on behalf of UK Public Sector |Bodies.  These will include Central Government Departments and their Agencies, NHS Bodies, Local Authorities, Police and Emergency Services.  (The Public Sector Bodies may decide to hold an electronic reverse auction on the re-opening of competition amongst the parties to the Framework Agreement).”

Capacity Building Event

A one day capacity building event entitled 'Improving Customer Focus - Research Capacity Building Conference' is being held on the 4^th October 2005 at The Lancashire Hub at J31a M6.

The event is being staged by the East Lancs ePartnership eConsultation Project and aims to improve 'Customer Focus Research' amongst stakeholders and partners across the North West, emphasising more efficient ways in which citizens are consulted, elaborating on the Gershon efficiencies whilst empowering the citizen, and improving the decision making process.

The objectives of the day are to focus on delivering better ways of engaging citizens. The event will concentrate on the future of consultation, promoting the need for effective research in local government and collaborative working amongst joint partnerships.

Further details will be available on our website from Monday.  Should you want further details please contact Stuart Sambrook of the EleP at stuart.sambrook@pendle.gov.uk.

e-Planning Event

Public Sector Forums in association with The Planning Portal are hosting an e-Planning event to take place on 1 November in Manchester.  The day will take the form of a series of presentations followed by facilitated round table discussions.

A full agenda can be found at: www.publicsectorforums.co.uk/page.cfm?LANGUAGE=eng&pageID=1357