Time is running out for local businesses to benefit from a Meet the Buyer event offering them the opportunity to meet with public sector buyers.

Falkirk Council has organised the event in partnership with Clackmannanshire and Stirling Councils. It takes place at Alloa Town Hall on Thursday 6 November from 10:00am-2:00pm.

In addition to the three Councils, several public sector buyers will be present including NHS Forth Valley, Forth Valley College and Stirling University.

Agencies and services offering information and advice include Business Gateway, Supplier Development Programme (SDP), Public Contracts Scotland (PCS), Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Ready for Business and Scottish Government Procurement.

Some of the workshops that will be running at the event include:

• A Beginners Guide to Public Procurement (delivered by Clackmannanshire Council's Procurement Manager)
• How to Win Contracts Through Quick Quotes (delivered by PCS)
• How the Supplier Development Programme Can Work For You
• The Journey – From Purchase Order to Payment

Cllr Dennis Goldie, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Economic Development, said: “Meet the Buyer is a great opportunity for local businesses to engage with the public sector and find out about the opportunities available through becoming a supplier of goods or services.

“Healthy local businesses make for a healthy local economy and so we want to help them in whatever way we can.”

Staff from the three councils will take part in a Q&A session towards the end of the event.

This is a free event and businesses can attend anytime between 10:00am and 2:00pm, but those planning to attend must register through the Supplier Development Programme at http://www.sdpscotland.co.uk/events/events-calendar/2014/november/meet-the-buyer-forth-valley.

For more information please call Falkirk Council’s Growth and Investment Unit on 01324 590960 or email business@falkirk.gov.uk.