Businesses in North Tyneside are being encouraged to take advantage of a new procurement tool.
From April 1 2019, construction, housing repairs and maintenance services currently delivered by Kier North Tyneside – will return to the direct management of North Tyneside Council.
North Tyneside Business Forum is committed to ensuring that this new opportunity is available to as many local businesses as possible and is working in partnership with the authority to promote the new Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).
The DPS is similar to an approved list for trades and businesses to join and be awarded individual jobs through a mini-competition once they are a registered to deliver a service.
The aim is to encourage businesses both large and small to take advantage of this business opportunity.
Jobs on the DPS range from £2,000 to £5,000 for most works, including trades such as plumbing, joinery, painting, roofing, electricians, locksmiths and landscaping. However, spend with businesses could reach up to £25,000 for consultancy services such as fire safety, engineering and structural engineering.
Cllr Steve Cox, cabinet member for Housing, said: “The new Dynamic Purchasing System is the ideal way for the council to obtain goods and services from the market and is open to any small business, sole-traders or those who are self-employed and based locally.
“We are absolutely committed to ensuring that whenever we subcontract work, local tradespeople and businesses have the opportunity to work with their local council, giving them the chance to grow and thrive.
“We want to make the process of joining our books as easy as possible.”
David Bavaird, chair of North Tyneside Business Forum, said: “The Dynamic Purchasing System is the perfect opportunity for small businesses to get on the council books and become an ‘approved supplier’.
“With the DPS being continually open for new applicants, new businesses to the market and no obligation to accept work if it doesn’t suit, it really is a fantastic opportunity for our local business base.”
North Tyneside Business Forum is running a workshop on March 5 at Rising Sun Conference Centre for local businesses to find out more about the DPS and to start their application. Places must be booked in advance.
To book a place at the event or to find out more about the opportunities available for small, local businesses visit the North Tyneside Business Forum.