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Procurement News
Energy Efficiency
The Centres of Excellence have put together a guide entitled ‘How to be Successful in Energy Procurement’, which has been designed to give you an overview of the gas and electricity sector markets, an analysis of how these markets work, and an explanation of the core information you must hold for each of your sites that consume gas and/or electricity.
Buying gas and electricity for local authorities has never been more complex. Prices have recently hit record highs, meaning traditional procurement methods need to be urgently reviewed. The tried and tested annual tender route brings with it significant price risks. The difference between going to market when prices are high, as opposed to low, could be as high as 50%. The cost of gas and electricity usually represent one of the highest areas of controllable commodity spend, so the case for re-examining purchasing methods is clear!
eInvoicing?
EGS, the providers behind the NW’s nominated marketplace, are looking to engage with Councils interested in reducing costs associated with invoice processing. The first EGS e-invoicing site will be live on May 1 2007 and they are keen to talk to Councils in the north west who recognise the opportunity e-invoicing presents . This project has been initiated as a response to many of EGS’s existing members, now in excess of 100, requesting an e-invoicing solution designed for Local Government.
If you are interested in hearing more either contact Richard Mullins via richard.mullins@egsgroup.com or 01159 333765. Alternatively you can attend their workshop at Bargain Hunt II on May 21 2007.
Postal Progress
The presentation and notes from the latest postal session are now available here. This lively session agreed on a regional approach for postal procurement. As such the NWCE will look to resource a project manager to move this forward.
Keep an eye on the web site for updates.
Framework of the Week -
Fuel Card Agreements
The NWCE's framework of the week highlights key frameworks or agreements councils may wish to use. Fuelled up for savings? This week's framework of the week can help councils with fuel card agreements. View details here.
Waste Management News
Rubbish Winning Ways
The Waste Information Network (WIN) has now been live for nearly ten months. The site is constantly being improved and updated, and now has the following features:
A document browser to view the continually updated document library
A search function which enables the entire site to be searched
A new section on waste management networks
A new design with easier navigation
Download information from this link: http://www.win.org.uk
National News
A Beacon of Success?
The Round 9 Beacon Scheme application process is now open until 29th June 2007. Authorities may apply individually or jointly in up to three of the following ten theme areas:
- better brighter futures
- better public places
- care matters: improving the outcomes for children in care
- dignity in care
- improving accessibility
- local strategic partnerships and local area agreements
- reducing health inequalities
- reducing re-offending
- tackling climate change
- transforming services: citizen engagement and empowerment
Download additional information from the following link:
http://www.beacons.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=5096164
Events
PROCUREMENT POWER,
May 1 2007, Derby
"Cut Costs while Benefitting the Community"
Procurement Power is a national workshop and networking event for heads of service and procurement professionals in the public sector. The workshop is based on practical evidence and hands-on exploration of how public bodies across the UK are delivering efficiency while benefiting the economy and the environment.
The event will feature special sessions on how public bodies in the UK are:
- Saving money while procuring sustainably
- Promoting regeneration through procurement
- Adapting and replicating good practice
The event will be 11am-3pm in Derby, hosted by nef (the new economics foundation), as part of their Local Alchemy programme.
To view the workshop invite, please click here, or to register for the event, please contact Justin Sacks - justin.sacks@k2a.cc or 07753 408 692.
Lancashire Procurement Group –
Legal Briefing and Update, May 11 2007
The Lancashire Procurement Group have arranged a legal briefing and update session, following a number of requests from East Lancs Authorities. This is now open to the wider Lancashire Group.
Please note this session is open to Lancashire authorities ONLY.
For further information or to book a place please click here.
Sustainability Starts Here
The first meeting of the NWCE's Sustainable Procurement has been arranged for May 14 2007 at 10am at Wigan Investment Centre. This meeting will be the first to agree the scope and workplan for the NWCE sustainable procurement programm and a full agenda will be made available shortly. Click here for event details.
Dive into the Learning Pool
Learning Pool - the public sector learning exchange – is staging a seminar for local authorities who are considering introducing e-learning for their staff.
The event at the University of Leeds on May 17 will include speakers who are learning and development experts from the local authority community, all of whom are making innovative use of e-learning to help their councils improve how they do things.
After lunch, there’ll be demonstrations of e-learning examples - Steve Day of Rotherham and John Roughley of Wigan, two of the Learning Pool’s most active subscribers, will demonstrate what they have achieved with the Learning Pool authoring tool.
There will also be a sneak preview of the new Learning Management System being launched on June 1 and the new portal for interactive Elected Member development.
For more details and to register go to the Learning Pool Website or contact ben@learningpool.co.uk
Swap Shop
The dates for the next two corporate and transactional shared services Network Groups are Tuesday May 15 in Sheffield and Thursday May 17 in London.
Run by 4Ps, the Network Group allows participants to meet people with an interest in corporate and transactional shared services and to discuss projects they are working on. It offers a great chance to swap information and receive professional guidance from experts. The agenda and speakers will be confirmed in the joining notes that will be released shortly. For more details, please contact lynsey.whitmarsh@4ps.gov.uk
Get Hammered at Bargain Hunt II
The second Bargain Hunt event is now confirmed and will take place on May 21 2007 at Manchester Conference Centre at Manchester Central (formerly G-MEX). The NWCE will show delegates how to share in more than £100m worth of savings on areas such as fuel, consultancy fees and ICT. More details will be added soon but places will be limited so book now to avoid disappointment! (Click here to book) or contact Rahela Parvin at the NWCE.
On with the Showcase!
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.