Free forum to help local business benefit from working with council

Local businesses are encouraged to find out more about upcoming contract opportunities with Sunshine Coast Council by registering for a free forum.

The bi-annual supplier briefing, which will be held at the Lake Kawana Community Centre on Tuesday, July 18, will provide information about council’s 2017/18 budget and upcoming projects and contracts, as well as an overview of council processes and policies.

Business development and sales manager for Bundilla Pest Control Kylie Kis said she benefited greatly from the information provided during the last Supplier Briefing Forum held in February.

“I’m involved in managing commercial and residential sales for Bundilla Pest Control, a local family company operating on the Sunshine Coast for 30 years, so I was quite interested in finding out more about the tender process involved for council’s pest control services,” Ms Kis said.

“I made contact with council about what opportunities were available and they suggested I attend the free Supplier Briefing Forum.

“It was a very well organised and professional event and it has helped me to understand the tendering processes and timeframes.

“The event itself was really well supported by the local business community and it even provided me with an opportunity to network with other businesses both before and after the council presentations.

“It’s a great event which demonstrates council’s support of growing local business on the Sunshine Coast rather than support other suppliers outside of the region.

“I’d encourage other businesses to attend, in fact, I’ll be attending the event again in July.”

Economic Development and Innovation Portfolio Cr Steve Robinson said the event would be a great opportunity for local suppliers and businesses to learn more about council processes and upcoming opportunities to work together in the future.

The supplier briefing will provide information on upcoming contracts including generator testing and maintenance, public amenities hygiene services, plant and equipment, timber floor resealing and aquatic centre / plant room maintenance.

“Local businesses and industries receive information about what is happening in the region, what tenders and projects are on the horizon and understand some of the processes behind the scenes,” Cr Robinson said.

“The forum will include a presentation on the 2017/18 capital works budget, which includes $247 million in upcoming capital works projects, announcement of projects and contracts and information about the business development program which covers topics such as ‘Doing Business With Council’.

“The forum also supports council’s local preference guideline, released in April 2016, which ensures local business and industry are the primary suppliers of goods and services to council.

“During the 2016/17 financial year, council spent more than $214 million with local suppliers representing approximately 71% of council’s total procurement spend – a significant increase on local spend during the same period of the previous financial year.”

The free Sunshine Coast Council Supplier Forum will be held from 8am to 10am on Tuesday, July 18, at the Lake Kawana Community Centre. For more information or to register to attend visit the What’s On calendar.

Fast Facts – Sunshine Coast Council Local Preference Procurement Guidelines

• Council’s Local Preference guidelines support the development of a competitive local business and industry through a preference for local suppliers in its procurement and contracting activities. The guidelines for local engagement include:
  • For a contract value of under $15,000, a minimum of one quote is required from local suppliers only.
  • For a contract value of between $15,000 and $100,000, a minimum of three quotes is required with two required from local suppliers.
  • For a contract value of between $100,000 and $200,000, a minimum of three quotes is required with a minimum of one quote from a local supplier.
  • For a contract value above $200,000, a written tender is released. A 15% minimum weighting will be added for a tender response which supports the local economy.
• More than $214 million was spent with local suppliers during the 2016/17 financial year, representing approximately 71% of council’s total procurement spend.
• Council issues a range of contracts covering a wide range of building and services contracts.