Small Firms Gather at Business Connect 2023
The Small Firms Association is today bringing over 300 small and large businesses together at a special event in the Aviva Stadium. Business Connect provides a platform for small firms to learn how they can win contracts with larger companies and how to position themselves correctly to deliver value.
Speaking at the event, Geraldine Magnier, Chair of the Small Firms Association, stated: “Business Connect offers small companies and suppliers’ valuable insights from procurement experts in large companies, State agencies and successful small firms on how to navigate and secure a large indigenous or multinational B2B customer.
“We are delighted to be joined, this year, by Minister of State Ossian Smyth with special responsibility for Public Procurement. Public bodies spend an estimated €18.5 billion a year on goods, services and works. There are huge opportunities for small business to collectively increase that spend, by looking at how we pitch our services, greater understanding of the public sector market and by bringing real innovation into our businesses and into what we offer.
“This year the Office of Public Procurement will go live with a new eTenders platform and a new circular to assist small firms with public procurement. In this important year of reform, the SFA will continue to proactively engage with the Minister and his official to ensure that small firms are fully involved with public sector procurement and the opportunities presenting.”
Other discussions on the day will focus on how small businesses can standout and differentiate their offering in an increasingly competitive marketplace, as well as how small and large companies can successfully work together in a circular economy and through international supply chains.
