Midlands businesses urged to attend free procurement briefing in Mullingar

Businesses across Westmeath are being encouraged to attend a free briefing in Mullingar aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access government contracts.

The SME Breakfast Briefing, organised by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), is at the Mullingar Park Hotel on Wednesday November 18 (8.30-10.30am).

Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Frank Feighan, TD, said the event will bring together public sector buyers and enterprise support organisations. It will provide practical advice on how businesses can engage with the public sector, understand the procurement process and compete for government contracts.

Minister Feighan, who previously ran several businesses, including a newsagents and a bar and restaurant in Boyle, said he understood the importance of small and family-run enterprises.

Business people attending will meet procurement professionals and representatives from organisations including the OGP, education and training boards, InterTradeIreland, the National Enterprise Hub, county councils and Local Enterprise Offices. They will also receive guidance on the supports available to SMEs, learn about upcoming tendering opportunities and network with other business people.

The Mullingar briefing follows a successful event in Sligo, Ireland’s first Government Supply Expo and a series of webinars earlier this year.

The event forms part of the Government’s National Strategy for Public Procurement, which aims to give businesses of all sizes greater access to public sector contracts.

Attendance is free, but spaces are limited, and registration is essential at tickettailor.com.