Home > Newsletters > 08.06.2007

Procurement News

Frameworks translate into savings

Two framework agreements, which can cut the cost for translations by 50% and for telephone interpretation by nearly 70% on previous average prices are available to the whole of the public sector.  These frameworks were showcased at the NWCE Bargain Hunt II event.
Both frameworks are OJEU compliant and offer high standards of service at substantially reduced costs.  Suppliers have been through a rigorous process of evaluation and selection which placed a high emphasis on quality of service.  There are no costs associated with joining the frameworks, nor is there any compulsion to use them as sole providers for linguistic services.  
Please click here for details of the frameworks and how to access them.

Framework of the Week - Sustainable MDF Mouldings

The NWCE's framework of the week highlights key frameworks or agreements councils can use. Wood you like to make savings? This week's agreement can help councils to save money when buying sustainable MDF mouldings. Click here for further information.

 

Consultants in the Frame

The NWCE frameworks workstream is continuing to evaluate options and information available to make informed decisions. Some preparatory work has been done around consultancy and property services, which can be viewed here. This will be built on over time. If you have any category areas you would like  researched please contact us.

 
Standards re-set

The venue for the next two meetings of the Standards project has been changed.  These meetings, July 26 and October 26, will now take place at Dukinfield Town Hall - all other arrangements remain the same.
For further information about the standards project click here.

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Construction News

Surface tension

COMPANIES are now being invited to submit tender documents for the framework to supply dense bitumen macadam.
Five suppliers have already completed the pre-qualification questionnaire and now have until June 26 to submit invitation to tender documents for the framework.
The successful suppliers will be selected within four weeks of submitting these documents and August 14 has been pencilled in as the commencement date for the framework arrangements.
Once the framework is in place, there is the potential for local authorities to save £thousands on their road surfacing costs.

Learning to Build

The Learning & Skills Council (LSC), has issued an Open Journal of the European Union Notice for Consultancy Frameworks for LSC Consultancy Services for a Framework for Major Building Projects. This agreement is for the design, project management and cost management for major building projects and is requesting responses by June 19. 
The buillding project aims to enhance, renew or refurbish all LSC’s 400 colleges by 2014. Individual campus redevelopments could cost up to £60m and the overall investment will be several billion. Services will be delivered on a regional basis - lots 7 to 9 relate to the northern region.
Manchester Council is helping the South East Centre of Excellence to select consultants for the northern region which includes the north west, north east and Yorkshire and Humberside

  

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National News 

Give it a Fleeting Glance 

The latest OGC Fleet Bulletin is available with details of a range of pan government fleet deals and other activities.  Click here to view the bulletin. 

 

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Events

Utilities Management and Sustainability
CANCELLED

Due to lack of interest this event has been CANCELLED.   The Carbon Trust is holding a similar event on the same date - which may explain the low take-up - and details of this event can be found here. 
For further information about the OGC.buyingsolutions frameworks please contact Neil Hind.

Free Energy Management Workshops from the Carbon Trust
throughout June 2007

Throughout June 2007 the Carbon Trust is holding free energy management workshops around the country.
Delegates will learn how to analyse energy bills; raise awareness on energy efficiency; explore the simple no cost and low cost steps to reduce energy spend; learn how to monitor energy consumption; analyse various metering and monitoring techniques to interpret energy use and identify how to report on and maintaining energy saving initiatives.
For further details on these events click here.

What's in it For Us?
June 19 2007

The first shared services stakeholders' meeting takes place on June 19 2007 at Preston Red Rose Hub.  These events will be held every three months to provide an update on progress made by the NWCE and NWEGG shared services programme, to introduce specific tools that can assist with shared services and to share the experiences of colleagues who have been through the process. 
The agenda includes a whirlwind tour of ICT shared services - Alan Cook of Cumbria CC will take attendees on a whistle-stop tour of places that they should visit and places to avoid should they wish to embark on a similar journey.
For further information click here.

 
Equality and Diversity Framework for Procurement event
June 25 2007, Huyton Suite, Knowsley

A joint conference will take place at the end of June to look at the topical issue of the LGA Equality Standards. The event on June 25 at Knowsley, will examine the development of procedures for equality and diversity within procurement. It will also reveal what’s involved in the pre-qualification toolkit that councils need to use to ensure contractors and partners are implementing equal opportunities within service delivery and employment. 
For further information about the event and to book your place click here.

FREE tickets!
The Challenge of the Games - A Sustainable 2012?
June 26 2007

The NWCE has four free tickets available for this event, which will look at ensuring a sustainable approach to the Olympic Games in London's in 2012.  The aim is that the games be remembered not only as a fantastic sporting event, but also as the greenest games to date!
This event will discuss some of the crucial issues for the UK to address if it is to host the first truly sustainable Olympic Games, whilst retaining the maximum cultural and economic benefits.
Topics discussed on the day will include sustainable procurement principles; sustainable construction; effective partnership working; information exchange with previous hosts - learning the lessons of the past; the role of business in realising the 2012 vision.
For further information click here and if you are interested in one of the free tickets contact us as soon as possible.

BeGIN to be Green
June 27 2007

The north west’s green procurement event, ‘BeGIN 2007 is coming to Haydock Park Racecourse, St Helens on June 27 2007.
A product and service showcase and seminar forum in one, the event is relevant to SMEs, large organisations and the public sector.
Consisting of a free exhibition, open between 9am - 4pm, alongside seminars, the event will show  how buying recycled content and more sustainable products and services can help your organisation to improve its corporate image, win contracts,  meet environmental standards and targets and save money.
Key note speakers include nationally recognised specialist on sustainable procurement, Shaun McCarthy – Chair of the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 and Director of Action Sustainability  and industry experts from the  Centre for Construction Innovation, Envirolink Northwest, North West Regional Assembly, James McNaughton Paper Group and Environment Connect.
For further details click here or email l.mcgeechan@envirolinknorthwest.co.uk.

 
On with the Showcase!
June 28 2007

THE NWCE and seven of its partners are joining forces for a major event at the end of June.
The Local Governance Showcase will take place on June 28, 2007 at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton and will focus on a comprehensive range of topics including efficiency and procurement, public service reform, performance management; collaborative delivery; service transformation and partnership working.
The event will be delivered by the centre, along with North West Improvement Network (NWIN), the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA), the Government Office North West (GONW), the Centre for Local Governance (CFLG), the North West Employers Organisation (NWEO), RENEW NW and the North West eGovernment Group (NWeGG).
The event is aimed at a host of local authority representatives – from leading elected members and chief executives to efficiency practitioners and business improvement managers.
For more information about the showcase and its special features, click here. 

BREW (Business Resource Efficiency & Waste) Event
Northwest Regional Networking Event - Resource Management
June 28 2007

The BREW Centre is holding a workshop designed to educate, support and inspire Local Authority Officers to work with their business communities and develop resource management strategies in line with the new waste strategy. 
Delegates can find out what is currently happening in the north west to support businesses to become resource efficient; hear from trailblazer authorities who are leading the way in their region this year; meet regional representatives from BREW partners and find out about the support they can provide to aithorities; receive guidance on how authorities can develop resource management strategies; network with other local authority officers from planning, waste, economic development, strategic policy and sustainable development.
Further information about this even can be found here.

  
Negotiation Skills
July 2 2007

A one-day Negotiation Skills programme is being held on July 2 2007 at Manchester Youth Hostel.  This programme will cover  a wide range of the skills, tools and tactics needed for effective negotiation, through real example and by encouraging delegates to qurstion their approaches to negotiation.  The overall objective is to motivate participants that there are opportunities to practice effective negotiation and to deliver positive benefits for all parties.  The tutor will be Dr Brian Farrington, an experienced negotiator in the public sector who has represented central government departments and local authorities in their negotiations with a wide variety of suppliers and contractors. 
Don’t miss out.  For further information and to book your place click here.

New Municipal Waste Technologies Events
July 10 2007

The Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme (LATS) gives councils a real incentive to meet increasingly challenging landfill directive targets and avoid paying for extra LATS allowances.  Significant investment is now needed in new waste treatment facilities to increase waste diversion from landfill and for new technologies and facilities.
This event, taking place at the Maritime Museum, Liverpool, is aimed at local authority waste management professionals, as well as waste management companies and providers of associated technologies and services.  It will provide an opportunity to network with a range of experts, funders and researchers in what is a rapidly expanding field.
The event is free to attend and as well as a range of expert presentations will feature an exhibition of the region’s leading suppliers of waste and recycling technology and services.
For further information click here.

Estates and Property Services Management Workshop
July 19 2007

As part of the NWCE procurement programme an Estates and Property Services Management workshop is being held.  Click here for further infornation and to book a place.