The free Meet the Buyer event will give potential new suppliers the opportunity to talk informally about upcoming contracts, find out about tendering and the criteria for buying goods and services.

A wide range of goods and services are bought in by public bodies including personal care, building works, transport and catering.

Mark Flynn, convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said: “We know that the procurement process can sometimes seem confusing so this event aims to help all local businesses be ready to bid for work from councils, health boards, universities and other public bodies when it comes up.

“Attendance is free but we are keen that new and existing suppliers, particularly local businesses in and around Dundee, register for the event. It will give them a chance to meet in person with the people involved in public sector procurement so that they can offer their help and guidance and we can get more local companies involved.

“Buyers are keen to meet potential suppliers to chat about upcoming contracts, how they go about tendering and what they look for when buying goods and services for their organisations.

“Suppliers will also be able to meet with meet larger contractors with public sector contracts to learn about current and active subcontract opportunities, and how to join their supply chains.”

Gillian Cameron, programme manager of the Supplier Development Programme, added: “Public sector contracts can offer much-needed stability, and after the pandemic the Supplier Development Programme continues to see an increased appetite from local businesses that want to engage with the public sector.

“Meet the Buyer Tayside is a fantastic opportunity to network with the real people who design and advertise local public sector contracts and supply chain opportunities, as well as the free business support and training local businesses can access to help them bid better and more successfully.

“The Supplier Development Programme works hand-in-hand with local authorities to build on the solid foundations of events like Meet the Buyer Tayside and we want to encourage local businesses of all sizes to attend this free event.”

The 10am to 2pm session on Tuesday 21 March at the Invercarse Hotel will include speakers and optional short informational workshops, demystifying topics such as Quick Quotes for smaller contracts and top tips on using the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) website for bidding success

Procurement staff from organisations including Angus, Dundee City, Fife and Perth & Kinross councils, NHS Tayside, colleges, universities and Social Security Scotland will be at the event along with support organisations including Supplier Development Programme.

Anyone who wants to attend should register here.