The seminar will set out the basics of the public procurement processes and procedures undertaken by public bodies and explain what contractors need to consider when responding to opportunities.

Selling to the public sector can be likened to a game and, as with any game, the most important part is to understand the rules, to ensure that others play the game fairly.

Understanding the Tendering Process is designed to deliver an overview of the rules of procurement in a straightforward and uncomplicated manner.

Over 40,000 UK contract opportunities were published in 2009 while the public sector spent around £220 billion on procurement in 2008-2009, across a wide and diverse range of goods, services and works. The single common factor across all of the contracts was defined procurement regulations.

Procurement is controlled at varying levels, by a range of different Directives, regulations and strategies but, irrespective of the contract value, the key principles of the EU Treaty apply to all procurement.

Many companies spend vast sums of money chasing public sector contracts without having a sufficient understanding of the rules governing the procurement process. As a consequence, many fail to make the grade when responding.

Understanding the Tendering Process will provide you with an insight into the procurement processes and procedures undertaken by UK public bodies when letting contracts, enabling you to submit a better-quality response and improving your chances of success.