A COMPETITIVE and successful construction sector is critical to our region. Major projects boost the economy and support vital job creation and growth.

With construction contributing £6.2bn to the North East economy annually, helping construction colleagues to compete effectively against tough competition and to bid successfully for contracts is a priority.

Following the successful launch of the Business Generator supplier development service in April, we are pleased to be holding a free event in conjunction with Constructing Excellence in the North East focusing on helping businesses access new opportunities.

The event, titled Increasing Sales for Your Business, will focus specifically on the construction industry and will take place on Thursday at Allergate House at Belmont Business Park, Durham.

The morning workshop will be run by Business Generator’s procurement experts who have helped construction companies in the North East win millions of pounds of contracts. The workshop will cover various topics to help SMEs understand recent changes in procurement and how they affect the construction industry.

There will also be advice on how to access projects as well as supply chains across the region and beyond and how to get on to new construction frameworks.

Business Generator is the ERDF-funded supply chain and supplier development service from Business & Enterprise Group. The service helps organisations to access opportunities, gain a better understanding of the procurement market and helps them gain a competitive edge over others when preparing tenders.

By hosting a variety of workshops and one-to-one sessions, Business Generator helps businesses with preparation for tenders, the completion of PQQs and developing the correct policies to qualify for new opportunities.

Services like this are critical to enhancing the skills and knowledge of businesses. We can support SMEs and ensure they have the necessary tools at hand when that important opportunity is advertised here or nationally.

To register for the event, which is free to attend, contact Leanne McAngus on 0191 374 0233 or email leanne@cene.org.uk.

Alternatively, you can register via the Business Generator website, www.bizgenerator.co.uk

By Paul Taylor, business development manager of Seaham-based business support company Business & Enterprise Group