londonaccountant - ICAEW

ENTERPRISE‘Supply chain opportunities represent anenormous opportunity for the SME community’opportunities through CompeteFor. Westminster CityCouncil has already placed more than 190 contracts onthe system, and Haringey Council launched itsCompeteFor procurement programme in October2010.Crossrail is also using CompeteFor to make itsprocurement more transparent. Its tier 1 suppliers arerequired to advertise all appropriate sub-contractopportunities on CompeteFor. Indirect suppliersthroughout the supply chain are also encouraged topost their opportunities on CompeteFor. MartinRowark, head of procurement at Crossrail, says:‘Engagement of SMEs and understanding of what oursupply chain looks like is critical to successful delivery.’Mulvey adds: ‘CompeteFor is a true business legacyof the London 2012 Games. This is the first time inOlympic and Paralympic Games history that subcontractingopportunities have been made so freelyaccessible. We’re delighted that Crossrail has alsochosen to use CompeteFor to provide supply chainopportunities to small businesses. With other publicand private sector buyers now using the system,registered businesses have access to a plethora ofcontract opportunities beyond London 2012.’To date, over 7,000 opportunities have beenadvertised on CompeteFor, with 67% of awardedcontracts going to small and medium-sized businesses.This includes 13% that have been won by businesseswith fewer than 10 employees. Businesses areencouraged to make themost of the system by fullypublishing their businessprofile and making theirmarketing data available inthe online supplier database.Once they are published,businesses can sign up foremail alerts, trackopportunities of interest, andadvertise partnershipopportunities.COMMITTEDBoth LOCOG and the ODA are committed tosupporting SMEs through CompeteFor, and have alsoencouraged their sub-contractors to open up theirsupply chains using the innovative system. In the nextsix months, LOCOG’s procurement will fall into eightkey areas – artists, performance & events, sports(including medical), security, technology, services,transport & logistics, facilities management & catering,and venues & infrastructure. Many of these goods andservices, including supply-chain opportunities, will bemade available through CompeteFor.*This is in addition to around £250m, which isearmarked by the ODA for the transformation of theOlympic Park post-Games.To register your businesson CompeteFor, visitwww.competefor.com.For further London 2012business information, includingaccess to free 2012 businessevents and networkopportunities, visit the LondonBusiness Network websitewww.londonbusinessnetwork.comPhoto: London 2012LSCA SMALL PRACTITIONERS’ CONFERENCE –NOW IN ITS 40TH YEAR24-26 March 2011, Robinson College, CambridgeHear from leading CPD speakers, includingStephanie Henshaw, Gerry Hart and BobTrunchion, on topics designed specifically for smallpractices. These will include: updates on audit andaccountancy, VAT and tax, as well as presentationson pensions, advising the elderly and practicemanagement.Several sessions are devoted to discussion groupsof 10-12, each of which is visited by some of the mainspeakers so that delegates can raise a variety of issueson a more personal basis.The conference also gives attendees theopportunity to meet fellow practitioners in a lively butrelaxed atmosphere, and exchange experiences andideas and share problems.Early bird price: Save £30 (before VAT) forbookings received on or before 3 January 2011and before the VAT rate changes!Full programme and more details are available atwww.icaew.com/spc or contact Elizabeth Allen on020 7920 3504 or elizabeth.allen@icaew.comlondonaccountant november/december 201017