Report finds North East firms losing contracts

Nov 18 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

One of the sectors is the construction industry, with many bosses relying on local Government projects to counteract the slump in private developments, particularly in housing.

Jeff Alexander, director at Newcastle building firm Surgo, said: “Some of the larger public projects have favoured larger firms with time and resources to deal with such complex processes.

“However, we have seen improvements over recent months, with councils starting to talk to each other when it comes to drawing on the talent we have here in the North East.”

The region’s local authorities are beginning to take notice and have launched a number of initiatives to improve the situation, such as a single point of contact website for tenders.

A spokesman from Newcastle City Council, said: “Our chief executive Barry Rowland is leading the Regional Collaborative Procurement Programme - working with all 12 councils and the Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership to drive forward a programme of procurement reform with the view to making the North East the best place to do business by being broader, simpler and smarter.

A spokesman for North Tyneside Council said: “Because we are spending public money, it’s vital our procurement processes are robust and consistent as well as fair and open.

“At North Tyneside Council and across the wider region there is a great deal of effort to streamline matters and support local businesses.”