Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor will host the first of a series of free conferences aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Killiney on Tuesday, 4^th February. The conference will focus on how small businesses can do more to win public contracts.

“Small businesses are the driving force of the Irish economy, and they are playing a huge role in getting this country back on track. Last year I organised a conference for SMEs called ‘Listening to Small Businesses’ and this year I am hosting a series of free conferences to help support small enterprises.

“The first of these meetings will be held in Killiney on February 4^th, and will focus on giving SMEs the information they need on how they can take full advantage of public tenders. The State spends about €9 billion every year on services and supplies which are put out to public tender. Small businesses should be making every effort to get a slice of this market, but a significant majority of SMEs have yet to even register on the eTender’s website www.etenders.gov.ie.

“Through the Action Plan for Jobs, the Government wants to help SMEs to improve their chances of winning public procurement projects. This helps to support local enterprise and boost job creation. 

“I am hoping to maximise the opportunities for local businesses to win more tenders, and for this reason I have invited the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works, Brian Hayes TD, to address the first conference in Killiney. Public procurement falls under Minister Hayes’ remit, so he will therefore be able to provide some practical advice on how the system works and what companies should bear in mind if tendering for public contract.

“I am hopeful that we will have a strong turnout from local businesses in Killiney on February 4^th.”

Note to Editors:

‘SMEs: Maximise your Public Tendering Success’ will be held on 4^the February at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney from9.30am until 12 noon.

Speakers will include: Minister for State, with special responsibilities for the Office of Public Works, Brian Hayes TD, Tony Corrigan, Tenderscout ‘Portrait of a Successful Tenderer’, Paul Foley, McKeever/Rowan Solicitors ‘EU Developments in Public Procurement’ and Seamus McAuley-Technopath, ‘SMEs and Public Tendering, Putting Meat on the Bone’

The conference is free and you can register by http://marymitchelloconnorsme.eventbrite.ie

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor is also doing a survey about SMEs tendering for public projects. 
It can be viewed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VQ2GT7N