New bid to keep business local and boost Bay jobs

A conference which could boost local business and jobs is being held for the first time.

The first Torbay Supplier Engagement Conference will take place on December 16.

The conference will be virtual and will welcome procurement leads from the local public sector.

The event, in partnership with Torbay Council, South Devon College, Torbay and South Devon

NHS Foundation Trust and TDA, will provide local Torbay businesses with the opportunity to

meet and engage with the procurement leads from the local public sector and learn about

upcoming contract opportunities.

Cllr Swithin Long, chairmasn of Torbay’s Community Wealth Building Board, and Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing, said: “This is just one of the ways we are making a positive change to Torbay’s economy and to help Torbay’s businesses to thrive.

"Over £135 million is spent each year on goods and services by the public sector and we would like to ensure more of that money is spent locally with SMEs in Torbay. Through local sourcing we are not only boosting the local economy, we are also reducing carbon emissions which supports our commitment to tackling climate change.”

Through online sessions and breakout rooms, delegates will learn about SupplyDevon - the new

regional procurement platform, the importance of maximising Social Value and will have the

opportunity to ask questions to procurement leads.

The Torbay Supplier Engagement Conference will take place virtually through Zoom from 2pm to 4pm. Registration is free and all Torbay based SMEs are encouraged to attend.

For further information and to register for the Torbay Supplier Engagement Conference visit

https://bit.ly/TorbaySupplierEngagement

For any questions, please email Daniel.newman@tda.uk.net