Special Feature
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44 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Special Feature
The LDA has actively pursued its commitment to through the programme is directly tailored to the supporting the development of SME procurement actual procurement needs and practices of the skills both strategically through the Fit To
GLA Group. Furthermore, it is intended that the Supply initiative and directly through the Supply programme’ s legacy will be the actual contracts London programme. Together with the findings of won by businesses who have successfully subsequent research and consultation activities,
6,000 BAME usinesses £ 90 Billion
key recommendations from these activities highlighted the urgent need for a Procurement Development Programme, which would complement and enhance the progress made thus far and fulfil essential requirements of key LDA and GLA strategic agendas, including:
The LDA’ s Economic Development Strategy, which states:“ The LDA will launch an initiative to explore the potential for equal opportunities procurement and contract compliance policies, working with the GLA Group and other public and private sector organisations and in the context of its obligations under national and European Law”.
The LDA’ s Best Value Performance Improvement Plan 2002-2003 outlines the Agency’ s clear commitment to this initiative. The Review and Action Plan which have been developed as a key part of the Performance Improvement Plan have distinctly recommended that the LDA should establish a“ scheme to develop the capacity of small firms”. completed the programme.
Through the implementation of PDP the LDA hopes to:
Stimulate an increase in the number of SMEs accessing and winning contracts
Create increased knowledge and understanding of public procurement processes by London’ s SMEs- more SMEs in London will become tender ready.
Deliver transferable business skills which will improve the overall competitiveness of each business participating in the programme and its workforce.
Provide a“ sounding board” to reflect the real needs and procurement experiences of London’ s SMEs to influence public sector procurement policy decisions.
Create a pathway to a more accessible public sector procurement environment for SMEs.
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engage magazine would like to thank the LDA for all their support
The GLA’ s“ Equalities for All Review” published in March 2002 states that“ The LDA should be developing the capacity of small firms who find it difficult to comply with the GLA Group procurement frameworks”.
The Procurement Development Programme is a direct response to the above action points. It draws together research into the procurement agendas of the GLA Group; practical evaluation of procurement development initiatives from the wider environment; and high-level business development support to help bridge the gap between demand and supply realms in the public sector procurement equation.
PDP can be considered to be the first demandled initiative of its type which means that the training and business support package delivered
The LDA is working hard to capacity build London’ s BAME small businesses, through its delivery procurement initiatives, business support projects and start-up programmes. Stronger BAME businesses mean a stronger London economy, helping the capital maintain its status as one of the world’ s richest global cities.
For more information visit www. lda. gov. uk engage SPRING ISSUE 2006