Understanding local government contracts and commissioning

This event will help attendees gain an insight into bidding for local council contracts, and how commissioning operates, with some examples from the Royal Borough of Greenwich, from an organisation that was recently commissioned. From both professional expertise and lived entrepreneurial experience, the session offers valuable insights into navigating local government procurement. Attendees will hear from a professional with over 20 years in public sector contracting, as well as from an entrepreneur who has been directly commissioned by the borough.

This workshop will be an introduction to procurement, and will cover a range of areas including:

1. Local and Regional/ National Procurement processes

2. How procurement processes work

3. Background information

4. 2023 Procurement act and what it means for small businesses

5. How to write a tender and what to include

6. Using A.I. to write applications -some advice

7. How tenders are assessed

8 Right to Challenge- how it works

9. The next steps

Organised by GLL

This event is delivered by GLL. GLL Start Up services support aspiring entrepreneurs, start ups and more established businesses achieve their business goals through the delivery of workshops, webinars, expert led 121's, training sessions, business resources, networking events, mentoring and coaching programmes, marketplaces, business grants and much more! We also offer co-working spaces and paid desk and office space as well. If you are interested in joining our business community of over 1,400 businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, click here to find out more.

Gary is a London based management consultant with over 20 years' experience in the private, community and public sectors; with significant achievements in consultancy, training, fundraising/income generation and community regeneration.

He has been involved in the founding, running and management of a range of businesses, including, companies involved in fashion and creative industries, training, event management, management consultancy, nutrition and well-being, fashion retail, education, and business support sectors.

Currently Managing Director of CNT Associates, a London based training & consultancy organisation. He regularly writes, trains and develops funding applications for private sector companies, social enterprises, health trusts, colleges and universities, housing associations, community organisations and local authorities. He has worked with a range of organisations including, British Library, Peabody Trust, Jimmy Choo Fashion Academy, University of Greenwich and many others.

He was previously a visiting lecturer/ research associate at the University of Central Lancashire in Community Regeneration and Health, in the Health & Ethnicity Unit.

Bianca Sapara-Grant is the founder and CEO of Parent Power, an organisation dedicated to supporting families and training professionals to deliver effective services. With over 20 years of experience, Bianca has worked in various sectors, including education, health, voluntary, and social services. Her roles have included Literacy and Family Learning Tutor, Parent Support Practitioner, and Domestic Abuse Training and Awareness Officer. She holds qualifications such as a PGCE in Literacy, certification in Positive Parenting, and is a certified NHS Mental Health First Aid Youth Instructor.

Bianca has designed and delivered several training programmes for families and professionals, with a particular focus on vulnerable and marginalised communities. Her work is based on evidence-based research, ensuring that resources are regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in child development and best practices. Parent Power's resources are utilised by UK local authorities, schools, the NHS, and the fostering sector.

Additionally, Bianca coordinated the food Programme, a UK government initiative aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among vulnerable children and families.