Starting a business

Help to Win Public Sector Contracts from the Supplier Development Programme (SDP)

Guide

2 min read

1. Introduction

The public sector in Scotland accounts for around £11 billion of spend per annum, and so there is a good chance your business can enter this market. Everything the public sector needs, from pens, food, and consultancy; through to buildings and roads, has to be purchased via the public procurement process.

2. What is the Supplier Development Programme?

The Supplier Development Programme (SDP) is committed to helping Scottish SMEs and third sector organisations win a larger proportion of this public sector spend in Scotland and beyond through successful tendering and supply chain engagement.

3. How do I access the support?

SDP is a public sector partnership which delivers a variety of FREE tender training, via classroom style workshops working in conjunction with Local Authorities across Scotland, digitally via webinar and also provides a range of online resources connecting businesses with the Scottish public sector. Registration for SDP events is free for Scottish SMEs, and will connect your business with your local authority’s SDP Rep who can offer your business additional support.

Whether your business has never been involved in working with the public sector and you want to find out more, or you’re familiar with Public Contracts Scotland and want to bid for an upcoming contract, SDP can offer you a course to help you understand the process and improve your bidding techniques.

4. Get started

Register for free at www.sdpscotland.co.uk and follow SDP on social media via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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You can connect with us through the contact form, call us or contact your local Business Gateway office.

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