Small businesses have been well positioned to date to win the majority of published tenders and have benefitted strongly from a competitive public procurement market. However reforms afoot will present new challenges for SMEs. InterTradeIreland offers a range of supports, information and advice in relation to public sector tendering.


Our key tips for SMEs in adapting to new Public Procurement market

1. Register on tender websites

Many SMEs are still not registered on eTenders (www.etenders.gov.ie) and eSourcing NI (https://e-sourcingni.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml) These tender websites are a free service providing a virtual storefront to public sector buyers. Another important point is ensure that the information you enter is relevant and kept up to date, so that buyers will find your company when they search your products and services online. 

2.    Form Consortia to bid for larger contracts

With the increased aggregation in demand across public sector procurement, contracts will become larger in size. Consider partnering with other companies to bid for these larger tenders.  Choose potential partners wisely; even consider partnering with a competitor to tender together or alternatively mergers should be considered.  

3.    Do your research on the Procurement Market

Unlike before, increasingly procurement in Northern Ireland and Ireland will now be categorised into types of procurement spend. In the South specifically (for example professional services, facilities management, marketing, print and stationery), each of which will be managed by a Portfolio Manager, supported by a Category Council. Understanding how the new market works and who the public buyers are in your category is essential.

Our enhanced Tender Supports for these changes

To support businesses across the island, InterTradeIreland has launched an enhanced range of tender supports to give SMEs the knowledge and practical skills to tender successfully for public sector contracts in this changing environment.

• Go2Tender Workshops

 InterTradeIreland will host a number of Go-2-Tender workshops to facilitate SMEs looking to adapt to the forthcoming changes. Find out more.

• Consortia Seminars

InterTradeIreland is also actively advising SMEs to consider forming bid consortia, to ensure they are well positioned to continue to bid for and win public sector business to the same extent they are doing to date.  InterTradeIreland will be holding free Consortia Seminars over the coming months to support SMEs in this particular area.

• Tuesday 30th September - The Radisson Blu, Belfast
• Tuesday 4th November – Maldron Hotel, Dublin Airport

InterTradeIreland's extensive suite of tendering supports also includes:

• Meet the Buyer Events: Access key public sector buyers on the island under one roof.
• Tender Apps & Alerts: Automatic updates on the latest tenders direct to your mobile phone through Apple or Android Tender Apps.
• Information & Guides: All the information you need to help you tender more successfully.