Public Procurement Decoded: A Guide for Local Suppliers

Held within the West Kent Expo '26, learn how public procurement works, common pitfalls, and engage in an informal chance to meet the buyers

Are you a local supplier or business looking to navigate the world of public sector procurement?

Held in within the Enterprise Hub on the ground floor of The River Centre during the West Kent Expo '26, Dan Hutchins, Procurement & Contracts Partnership Manager at TMT Procurement Partnership will help you understand the intricacies of public sector procurement and how contracts are awarded.

Whether you're new to the process or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to succeed!

Photography & Filming Notice

Please note that photography and videography will take place throughout this event.
These images and recordings may be used by the event organisers for marketing, communications, reporting, and promotional purposes, including on websites, social media, and printed materials.

By attending this event, you acknowledge that you may be photographed or filmed and consent to the use of such images and footage where you appear. If you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please speak to a member of the event team on the day.

The TMT Procurement Partnership is a collaborative working arrangement between Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Tonbridge & Malling Borough Councils. The districts are Kent based, covering a combination of both urban and rural areas and serve a total population of 444,314 (based on Office of national statistics, 2024). The districts are responsible for both statutory and discretionary services, this includes but is not limited to:

• Planning
• Refuse Collections
• Environment Health and Services
• Housing
• Council Tax
• Leisure Services

Further information on the Councils services can be found using the following links: https://www.tmbc.gov.uk/ and https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/ https://maidstone.gov.uk/.

The Procurement Team is led by Dan Hutchins (MCIPS), a procurement professional with over 15 years of experience encompassing both Private and Public sector leadership roles. Alongside Dan, a dedicated team of 5 officers ensure that the procurement service is delivered to a high standard and in line with the needs of the partner authorities. The team consists of:

• Louisa Coley – Senior Procurement Officer with responsibility for Sustainability and Category Management
• Jack Cuthbertson – Senior Procurement Officer with responsibility for Localism and Category Management
• James Hudson-Austin – Procurement Officer
• Charlotte Copping – Procurement Officer
• Kate Middleton – Contracts Officer with responsibility for the monitoring and oversight of Contract Management processes for the partnership