NI Water is holding a Supplier Information Day to talk about the goods, services and construction contracts, with an estimated value of approximately £198 million, required by the company over the next 12 months.
The water company said that as one of Northern Ireland’s largest companies, “fantastic opportunities” were available for new and existing companies across a diverse range of sectors, including SMEs, to tender for large and small contract requirements.
Supply options for almost every kind of material are on the table, from soap in employee bathrooms to major engineering services.
Ronan Larkin, NI Water’s Director of Finance and Regulation explained:
“In the 2015/16 financial year alone, NI Water awarded contracts to the value of £224 million to suppliers and contractors. Many of these contracts have benefited local firms in many sectors, not least the construction and engineering sector, thereby continuing to support our local economy at this time.”
“As an example of our commitment to assisting the Northern Ireland economy, NI Water recently placed an order with Dungannon based company Donnelly Group Ltd to supply 41 of NI Water’s corporate vehicles.”
“However, I am aware that the procurement system can appear to be complex for many companies seeking to tender for opportunities available.”
The water company is now inviting businesses to attend a ‘Supplier Day’ event in October to give suppliers an opportunity to meet the NI Water procurement teams. The Procurement Team will be on hand to cover the range of goods, services and construction opportunities required by NI Water and will answer any questions potential suppliers may have
InterTradeIreland is joining NI Water again this year who will be on hand to provide advice, particularly in the area of consortium bid opportunities.
Thomas Hunter McGowan, Chief Executive of InterTrade Ireland said:
“We are delighted to once again be involved with this event in order to support SMEs in attendance with procurement advice and support, particularly in relation to advice on forming consortia and collaborative bids on an all-island basis.”
“For some suppliers, the concept of engaging in Public Sector tendering and procurement can be seen as intimidating and bureaucratic.
“Sadly, this perception alone can stop businesses, particularly SMEs, from competing for potentially lucrative contracts when the reality is that, because of their size, they may be best placed to offer flexibility, value and innovative solutions to meet the demands of buyers in the public sector.
“NI Water’s now annual ‘Supplier Day’ event is a great opportunity for potential suppliers across the island, and further afield, to understand how best to engage in these procurement opportunities.”
The ‘Supplier Day’ will take place on Thursday 27 October 2016. The event, which is being held at the NI Water Training Centre in Antrim, is designed for all current and potential suppliers to learn more about NI Water’s procurement process, the firm’s requirements over the next 12 months and how to respond to tenders.
Those interested in booking a 20 minute meeting slot with a procurement officer are required to pre-book by completing the registration form available on the website and emailing it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Places are limited and will be allocated on a strictly first come, first served basis.
Click here for further information about NI Water’s Supplier Information Events
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