Midlands businesses urged to attend free procurement briefing in Mullingar

Businesses across Westmeath and the wider Midlands 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), will take place at the Mullingar Park Hotel on Wednesday, November 18, from 8.30am to 10.30am.

Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Frank Feighan TD, is urging local businesses to take advantage of the event, which will bring together public sector buyers and enterprise support organisations.

The briefing 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, Roscommon, said he understood the importance of small and family-run enterprises to local communities and the wider economy.

The minister said such businesses create employment, drive innovation and provide essential services, adding that the event would make it easier for SMEs to explore opportunities within the public sector.

Businesses attending will have the opportunity to meet procurement professionals and representatives from a range of organisations, including the OGP, Education and Training Boards, InterTradeIreland, the National Enterprise Hub, county councils and Local Enterprise Offices.

Participants will also receive guidance on the supports available to SMEs, learn about upcoming tendering opportunities and have the chance to network with other businesses from across the region.

The Mullingar briefing follows a number of initiatives designed to increase SME involvement in public procurement, including a successful event in Sligo, Ireland's first Government Supply Expo and a series of webinars launched 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 advance registration is essential as places are limited.

Businesses can register online at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ogp1/2445356.