takeITon.

A new video aimed at helping businesses exploit public sector tendering opportunities has been launched today by the East of England Development Agency as part of its takeITon campaign.

The latest in the takeITon TV series is now available on the takeITon website. takeITon TV, available at www.takeITon.org.uk, is a practical self help tool designed to help businesses to take those all important first tentative steps to bridging the digital divide.  The latest video gives advice on how to increase your client base through e-procurement.

Despite the recession there are still huge opportunities for businesses of all shapes and sizes to win new business through public sector online procurement. 

Many businesses are put off e-procurement under the belief that it is time consuming, complicated or they are too small to compete. This video is designed to help businesses get past the barriers and exploit the opportunities available for businesses of all sizes.

Businesses can have an increased outreach and number of leads through e-procurement without having to advertise, travel, call or meet with potential clients, meaning nothing is lost if a potential client decides not to go through with the business.

Key e-procurement websites:
• Competefor – (www.competefor.com) used by London 2012 to advertise Olympic games contract opportunites
• EEDA’s e-tendering service:  (https://eeda.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml)
• Supply2Gov – (www.supply2.gov.uk) - official Government lower-value (typically below £100,000) contract opportunity portal, created to provide small businesses with access to lower-value public sector contracts

Jan Pinkerton, head of business ICT and intelligence at EEDA said:

“The economic climate is having a serious impact on businesses in the East of England. Public sector procurement provides huge opportunities for businesses of all shapes and sizes, however many businesses feel that they cannot compete due to lack of time and worries about how complicated the process is. This latest takeITon video guides businesses through the process of e-procurement, identifying the key things that businesses need to do to prepare and demonstrating how to overcome the barriers.

Key tips for getting started with public sector procurement:
• Have documents such as company accounts, health and safety policies, professional indemnity insurance certificates, equality policy, environmental policy stored in a central place.
• Keep key figures such as company turnover, VAT registration numbers, company registration numbers in a central place
• Have a bank of case studies of previous work which you have completed for clients with key results and outcomes clearly listed

David Marsh, one of Business Link’s IT Advisors said:

“In today’s digital age e-procurement is becoming an increasingly important tool for generating new business leads. While there is some initial preparation involved in getting your business ready, the benefits more than outweigh the time and effort involved. Business Link advisors are on hand to give advice and help businesses make the most of the wealth of opportunities available.” 

If you don’t think you have all the necessary information to hand, Business Link can offer free help and advice to guide you through the process. You can contact Business Link on 08457 17 16 15 or you can go to the website www.businesslink.gov.uk/east