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Help for SMEs to win new contracts

Dozens of smaller businesses in Cumbria are signing up for a new initiative to help them win more work.

Cumbria Business Growth Hub’s Supply Chain Opportunity Club holds its first event at TSP Engineering in Workington on Wednesday November 28th.

Membership is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that want to secure work with larger organisations, and large organisations that want to engage with SME suppliers.

Those attending the event at TSP can find out about contract opportunities there and learn how to meet the company’s procurement criteria.

There will also be a site tour and an opportunity to network with other businesses.

Eva Foran, Supply Chain Development Manager at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Club aims to make it much easier for SMEs to break into the supply chains of larger organisations, either private or public sector.

“It’s a chance to meet buyers, find out about opportunities and understand what you need to do to give your business the best possible chance of winning contracts.

“This event will be the first of many. The next is a session with supermarket Booths early in the new year.”

The Growth Hub, which is the business support delivery arm of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, can assist businesses that need help to meet the procurement criteria of large organisations such as TSP.

This assistance includes one-to-one support from advisers, training workshops, online assets and access to funding.

TSP Engineering, which is a subsidiary of British Steel, is one of the UK’s most advanced engineering businesses.

It is looking for potential suppliers and contractors in a wide range of specialisms including precision machine parts, non-destructive and ultrasonic testing, painting and paint inspection, transport, consumables, steel supplies, equipment hire, electrical components and forgings and castings.

John Coughlan, Chief Executive of TSP, said: ”We’re delighted to be a founder member of the Supply Chain Opportunity Club.

“This initiative will help Cumbria businesses do more business with each other. Having direct access to Growth Hub advisers and funding makes this a tremendous resource for Cumbria.”

To register for the event and find out more about the Supply Chain Opportunity Club, email eva@cumbriachamber.co.uk