Keith McCabe (MCIPS)

ive just spent the day at procurex in liverpool, lots of engaging sessions and new supplies to speak to. one of sessions focused on prior market engagement notices under section 16(1) the broad permitted purposes of engagement are: a. developing the authority’s requirements and approach to the procurement; b. designing a procedure, conditions of participation or award criteria; c. preparing the tender notice and associated tender documents; d. identifying suppliers that may be able to supply the goods, services or works required; e. identifying likely contractual terms; and f. building capacity among suppliers in relation to the contract being awarded. I wonder how many people especially non procurement people we fall foul of this requirement by inadvertently speaking to suppliers prior to tender?

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Do you want to win new business but not sure where to start? Through our UKSPF funded programme we are offering businesses in the Liverpool City Region an opportunity to access a free business diagnostic to ensure your business is in the best shape to win new contracts. Our experts will work with you through the diagnostic to provide valuable insights and learning. They will then provide you with a business action plan so you can put the learnings into practice and grow your business. Get in touch to find out more #UKSPF

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A robust evaluation process is key to a successful procurement exercise. With that in mind, Crown Commercial Services published a guide for public sector buyers on how to evaluate bids. Oxygen’s James Himsworth, ex-Procurement Lead at Middlesbrough Council, reviews CCS’s advice and provides some of his own to bidders; from assembling a formidable team to navigating potential conflicts of interest, crafting compelling communication and fine-tuning your bid against the evaluation criteria, to ensure that your next bid shines. #Procurement #PublicSector #Bidding #BidStrategy https://vist.ly/yzv7

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It's Friiiiiiiiiidddddaaaayyyyyyy So I think it is about time for some more #ProcurementBert , don't you? This week, Bert didn't quite catch the point that Suze was trying to make ..... Anyone else found that sometimes getting approvals can depend a great deal on the time of day your conversation takes place? --------------------------------------------------------- Had a lot of interest in AVAM Solutions Ltd's FREE email course on Contract Management this week, which outlines precisely how businesses can improve their contract management, manage their supply chain, and save up to 10% of their revenue. Because it’s pointless negotiating deals with your suppliers if you don’t have a contract management system in place to ensure you get the value you're expecting. If you want access to the course for FREE, just reply to this email with the word "AVAM" and I'll send you the link. ------------------------------------ If you haven't yet donated to AVAM Solutions Ltd and Simfoni in our fundraiser for Shelter, it is 100% not too late. We are now approaching £8,000 which truly humbles me. Join the superstars who had already donated by clicking on this link. We are all so very grateful for all donations, no matter how small. https://lnkd.in/evJr-6Yd Have a great weekend as ever, Linked-Inmates, and if you're a football fan, enjoy the start of the Euros! #procurement #gutfeel #contractmanagement #HomeisEverything

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Some of the Epro team went to the BiP Solutions Procurement Act Supplier Conference yesterday in Manchester. It was great to hear the thoughts of Lorraine Cox FIoL Peter Schofield & Johnny Hugill amongst others, discussing the new act and the impact it will have on Public Sector procurement when it comes into force. Pleased to hear how transparency on supplier performance will be key as well as how AI might be used in future ! #nhs #digitalhealth #outcomes #procurement #publicsector #digitaltransformation

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Procurement doesn’t just provide savings, says Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust head of procurement GEOFF HOPPER – it can improve learning outcomes for pupils. Hopper embarked on an ambitious journey to develop an in-house function and gained CIPS Procurement Excellence Programme (PEP) Standard accreditation to demonstrate the trust’s commitment to best practice. 👇 Find a link to the article in the comments #Procurement #SupplyChain #Education

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We have recently written to the Secretary of State to request that Government gives consent to the Lower Thames Crossing proposals.    We believe this is an important project which will unlock significant economic benefits for the region, and improve journey reliability for HGVs, LGVs and Coaches - not just in the area, but across the country. In our letter, we’ve detailed some of the benefits that providing consent to this scheme will bring.   We represent over 8,500 member companies operating HGVs, LGVs and Coaches - constituting over half of the UK’s heavy commercial fleet.   To keep the economy moving and competitive, our members and the industry needs infrastructure which is fit for purpose. We need a strong nationwide network of roads which are safe and reliable with capacity to accommodate future growth in demand.    It’s estimated that congestion costs the UK economy £30.8 billion a year. In our sector, the cost of an HGV stuck in stationary traffic for an hour is £120, a crippling cost at a time when hauliers are under significant financial pressure.  The Dartford Crossing itself poses significant challenges for free-flowing traffic in the wider South East of England. Even a minor delay or incident can have impact the wider road network. When the bridge is closed, HGVs are diverted round the whole of the M25, as this is deemed to be the next fastest route.    In our letter, we've re-stated the importance of the Lower Thames Crossing and made it clear that this project is vital for alleviating congestion in the region, improving journey reliability and unlocking growth.  We will continue to campaign on infrastructure projects such as this. As ever, your thoughts are welcome.

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Looking forward to catching up with Eileen Salmon and the Memebers of the British Ports Association Lets have a chat 💬 Shape Associates Ltd  help you by Shaping 💚 Your Business 💚 Your People 💚 Your Future  #ContiniousImprovement #network #spain #connections #maritimeindustry #airport #ports #shipping #ship #logistics #maritime #cargo #sea #delivery #freight #worldwide #export #transportation #transport #import #shippingworldwide #vessel #supplychain #microsoft #team #powerapps #transportation #portoperations #digital #digitalchampion #digitalbusinesstransformation #bulkmaterialhandling #logisticssolutions #microsoft365 #offshorewindenergy #offshorewind #offshore #windenergy #offshoredrilling #offshore #aviation #aviationindustry #aviationsafety #growth #costsaving #erpsolutions #LeanSixSigma #BusinessExcellence #ProcessOptimisation #ShapeAssociates #Teamwork #Innovation #Efficiency

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Public Sector Procurement is changing, but do not fear – our Procurement Team is here with some top tips to help all procurement practitioners complete the government e-learning training 👇 The Transforming Public Procurement e-learning is made up of 10 x 1hour modules, that are perfect for operational procurement staff, covering all aspects of the new reforms, such as key regulation changes, transparency and the competitive flexible procedure. The  Procurement Act 2023 is expected to come into place on 28 October 2024, so now's the time for procurement professionals to sharpen their knowledge on the reforms, and ensure they're prepared ahead of the new regime coming into place. We’ve pulled together useful information, training resources and knowledge drops to help you better prepare for the reforms coming into place in October 2024, all available in one handy space on our website. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/erSKt6F7 #ProcuringForYou #PublicSector #Procurement #ProcurementAct

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Do you work with subcontractors to deliver your services? Head to our blog as we explain how your subcontracting partners can be leveraged as a positive aspect of your tender submission, complementing your directly employed resource https://bit.ly/42SanuZ #TenderWriting #BidWriting #Procurement

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This is our final post sharing key messages from our final report from our multi-year work programme looking at how well public organisations manage procurement. We’ve developed questions for governors and senior leaders to consider about key elements of procurement in their organisation. This is not intended as a comprehensive checklist, but rather the elements of good practice that we see are often missing in public procurement. Check out the questions to consider 👉 https://lnkd.in/gAWU9fyi Read the summary 👉 https://lnkd.in/gkST7yNk   Read the full report 👉 https://lnkd.in/gVW5iBjm Graphic: Office of the Auditor-General © Jenah Shaw

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The way public procurement is carried out in the UK is changing. It’s the biggest transformation to procurement law in years. Dukefield Procurement are excited to share the first in our series of informative blog posts which aim to provide key messaging on this topic. Follow Dukefield Procurement for weekly updates. #dukefieldprocurement #Transformingpublicprocurement #TPP #Publicsectorprocurement

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Interesting to read the social value focus in today’s latest National Procurement Policy Statement (effective Oct 24, excludes NI, Wales and utilities - and frameworks …) Authorities now have to “have regard” for national priorities of - VFM, - Social value - SMEs - Commercial and procurement delivery - Skills and capabilities for procurement Distinct from explicitly allocating 10% of marks. The policy also - clearly prioritises efficiency and value for money over wider social and economic benefits - brings back the notion of “relevant and proportionate” - Talks about not overburdening suppliers. I have mixed feelings about this. Some procurements I’ve seen over the past few years seem to have created such onerous demands in the name of “social value” or blatantly asked for money in a way that it has created a barrier for the very social enterprises and small businesses government would be seeking to support. However prioritising VFM and only having “due regard” seems like a consistent departure from tackling pressing issues…. Interesting to find out more. Link here - https://lnkd.in/eDPDWJ-K Thoughts Nancy Park Rachel Taylor Tom Montagu Ben Sheppard ? Sarah Hinchliffe CPP APMP Fellow, FF.ISP Sarah Daly Sarah Ottaway

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So with a little over four months to go until the official go live date for the Procurement Act 2023, my question for you is; What impact will this have on your organisation? As the detail emerges there is clearly a lot to take in and new terminology, processes and notices to learn. There is a lot of superb guidance available out there to guide you through all this including the learning and development provided by the Government Commercial Function, social media content (including the Procurement Reform podcast from Christopher Robinson (MCIPS) and regular updates from Kieran McGaughey) and much much more. My belief working with and within over 100 Public Sector Procurement teams is that the Procurement Act 2023 describes how many experienced and creative Procurement professionals within supportive and functioning organisations already operate. We clearly have new terminology to get to grips with, new approaches and some interesting grey areas to navigate (as before), but the situation within the organisation where this new Act lands will heavily dictate the impact of it, and whether it is positive or negative. A performing organisation with engaged leaders, category managers and an integrated support function including Legal, Finance etc will use the new Procurement Act to enhance their existing position. An organisation where one or more of these statements is unfortunately untrue is probably already struggling, and this will be yet another ball in the air above their heads. I suspect a lot of people will find themselves here and the key will be to use the new Act as a lever for much needed positive change (providing resources can be found to get ready in time). The good news is there are more eager externals out there willing to help than you could shake a stick at! I sincerely hope the last organisation shown here in ignorant bliss does not exist! (but i did enjoy drawing the butterfly!). My recommendation is that you spend time and take advantage of the available training and information feeds to learn the mechanics and details of what is coming, but more importantly take an honest look at your organisation and ensure that you make the most of this event as a catalyst for improvement for all, not just the Procurement Team. 

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“Procurement is a valid process, but will never replace communication, collaboration, and engagement.” One month on from our Procurement Seminar in April, director Lorraine Gregory reflects on The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) and what this means for CECA Midlands members. You can read the blog here 👉 https://lnkd.in/egvRHmSf #Procurement #SupplyChain #Purchasing

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This morning I have spoken to a number of trade associations, and the message was clear across various sectors; businesses throughout the United Kingdom will be looking to the next Government for a clear blueprint for the way ahead. Trade bodies in various sectors want clarity from day one, and business leaders want to see a plan in place to get the UK economy performing at its highest levels, delivering sustainable growth, and benefitting society.    The performance of the UK economy and performance of the road haulage and road transport sector are directly linked. Our industry is key to Britain’s economic viability as it contributes £13.5 billion to the UK economy each year. With 98% of all food and agricultural products being transported by road freight, we play a fundamental role in the daily life of the people of this country. These are still challenging times for many operators in our industry due to rising costs and increased regulations. This week we’ve seen Cartwright Brothers join a growing list of hauliers who've gone into administration. It’s a sad reality that news like this is becoming more regular. Last year almost 500 hauliers went out of business, and regrettably, we’re at almost 170 so far this year already. Higher interest rates and ever-rising running costs have made the cost of running a business in our sector much more expensive this year than last.  To address the real challenges facing industry, collaboration remains key. We want to collaborate with decision-makers who understand the vital part we play in creating jobs and keeping the supply-chain moving. As technologies and regulations change, business owners need clarity, certainty and flexibility so they can confidently invest in the right vehicles, fuel solutions and equipment... READ my article in full 👇 your thoughts and comments welcome. https://lnkd.in/ewmJHSBu

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The refreshed National Procurement Policy Statement, https://lnkd.in/eWDH4ya4 coming into force on October 28th alongside PA23, sets priorities for public procurement and outlines how contracting authorities can support their delivery. One of the core elements of the statement emphasises that contracting authorities must consider the skills and capability of their workforce. This includes detailed plans for the procurement and contract management skills and resources necessary to deliver value for money. Contracting authorities are responsible for ensuring they have a sufficient and capable workforce to ensure taxpayers’ money is spent effectively and efficiently.

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Health Innovation Networks are helping companies and NHS colleagues understand changes to procurement rules which are putting greater emphasis on environmental sustainability and other factors beyond lowest price. This webinar is a great opportunity to find out more. ⬇

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