A SERIES of workshops are being held in Northumberland to help more small businesses win public sector contracts.

The Procurement Centre works with firms with no experience of bidding for public sector work to help them put together tenders for what can be lucrative contracts.

Shirley Watson from The Procurement Centre said: “For many businesses, tendering for public sector business can seem extremely daunting because of the paperwork, but when you strip it down to the basics it is not that challenging.”

In addition to paperwork, the centre offers one-to-one advice, and a matchmaking service where it contacts local firms to let them know about tenders or invitations to quote for smaller contracts.

The Procurement Centre, which is backed by Northumberland County Council, is aiming to keep more money in the county by encouraging local firms to win more public sector work.

It recently helped Amble-based Premier Corporate Training Limited (PCTSL) to win a three year contract with Northumberland County Council to deliver first aid training to its staff.

PCTSL founder Bruce Durham said: “This is a marvellous opportunity for fellow Northumberland businesses to get in shape to go after public sector.’’

PCTSL already delivers training in the utility and construction sectors for large firms including Balfour Beatty, AMEC, National Grid, Enterprise and Taylor Woodrow. But the contract with Northumberland County Council is its first move into the public sector.

The Procurement Centre’s service is free and open to businesses, social enterprises, community and voluntary groups from the Northumberland area wanting to win work from the public sector, both locally and nationally.

The next two events for businesses are on September 27 at Beaumonth Hotel, Hexham, and on September 29 at Longhirst Hall, Morpeth. Both events run from 9.30am - 4.30pm.