Business information

Doing Business with the Public Sector Event for SMEs

In June 2007 Hertfordshire County Council and Business Link held a successful event for SMEs at the Fielder Centre in Hatfield.

The aim of the event was to make "Doing Business with the Public Sector" more accessible to Small and Medium Enterprises, Social Enterprises and voluntary and Community Sector organisations.

Representatives from the District Councils, the County Council, Business Link, Hertfordshire Prosperity and @UKPLC were available to provide advice and information for delegates from their stands within the main conference area.

Workshops that were available on the day:

How to Successfully Pitch for Business (Back to Basics) – This workshop gave those new to public sector contracting an insight into what is involved in the process.

The Tenders Process – This workshop gave potential suppliers guidance on the tendering process including EU procedures.

e-procurement – This workshop gave potential suppliers an insight into electronic trading and what we are working towards, including the Hertfordshire and Luton Marketplace.

How the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sectors can do Business with the Public Sector – This workshop gave potential suppliers an insight into the business opportunities available and what they need to consider

In addition to the workshops programme, representatives from Hertfordshire County Council and Business Link were available to provide one-to-one advice on access to tender opportunities, practical advice on completing tender documents and general information on what should be included in a tender including outline policies, Health and Safety, Equalities etc.


The day prompted lots of dialogue and debate across the sectors and we will learn from this and apply to future events.

You will find below copies of the programme together with copies of the presentations.