Write a commentNewry, Mourne and Down District Council has hosted a ‘Meet the Buyer’ breakfast workshop with the construction industry to encourage more building contractors to tender for Council projects.
The free event allowed those interested in construction opportunities to meet directly with the Council’s Capital Projects Team and gain a detailed insight into the procurement process.
Those attending the workshop in King’s Inn, Castlewellan on Wednesday 20 March received a presentation on the Council’s obligations in terms of procurement policy as well as guidance on tendering for Council construction projects.
The topics covered included guidance on how submissions are assessed in relation to quality and cost, the judging of relevant experience, and common mistakes made in submissions. Details of upcoming construction opportunities with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council were also provided. An open floor discussion followed, with the construction industry also providing valuable feedback on the tendering process to the Council.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “The aim of ‘Meet the Buyer’ was to encourage better engagement with building contractors.
“The event is part of our strategy to deliver the Council’s Capital Programme over the coming years. It allows the officers in the Council to engage directly with the construction sector and, in particular, with small to medium sized enterprises.
“The high turnout and engagement at today's event was very encouraging and the discussions also particularly constructive. Hopefully these discussions will benefit all in attendance.
As a result we hope that with a greater understanding of the procurement process, more contractors will be encouraged to compete for upcoming projects.
“Ultimately, our aim is to continue to deliver high quality projects within the district and provide value for money to the ratepayer, and we cannot achieve this without such input from the private construction sector.”
