08 December 2009
More than 300 local businesses have taken part in a special ‘two-in-one’ event. They were finding out how to bid for States fiscal stimulus projects and taking up the chance to network with hundreds of other local firms. Representatives from a wide range of island industries went along to the event, which was organised by Jersey Enterprise with support from a number of States departments.
There are already plans for more than £70 million worth of States construction and maintenance work to go to market in 2010. The fiscal stimulus programme will put another £20 million to £30 million worth of work into the economy – and around 40 projects of varying sizes will be reaching the market in the next 3 months.
Departments taking part in the event included Housing, Property Holdings, Transport and Technical Services and States Procurement. They explained the projects which will soon be available for tender, which include: civil engineering, general building services, drainage services, plumbing, carpentry, joinery, stone masonry, roofing services and window supplies.
Property Holdings have announced 24 new projects in the next 3 months; including contract work at the General Hospital, Overdale and the former La Pouquelaye School.
All these projects will be put out for tender using the States' new online portal, and will include full specification details for the proposed works where appropriate.
The second part of the ‘two-in-one’ event saw a return of business to business ‘speed dating’. This allowed dozens of businesses to meet and generate new contacts. Businesses had two minutes each to explain their services before participants moved on to meet a representative from another company.
The Economic Development Department’s Deputy Chief Executive, Andrew Sugden, said: “Jersey Enterprise is keen to support local businesses and to help them trade with each other. This kind of event, combining networking with Meet the Buyer, allows island firms to both seek out new opportunities for work and to make new contacts.
“I hope all the tenders that go out into the market in the coming months will receive competitive and realistic bids, so States departments can move forward with essential work, while at the same time supporting the economy through a difficult period.
“The Steering Group will still assess each project seeking stimulus funding and will be looking for value for money and competitive pricing. They will be regularly checking that the market is competitive before releasing more funds.”
States e-portal
gov.je