SSE has launched its innovative Open4Business web portal, aimed at promoting investment in the local supply chain, in the North of England.
The Open 4 Business (O4B) Trans-Pennine portal launch event took place recently at Rogerthorpe Manor in Pontefract and around 120 small to medium enterprises from across the region came along to meet the team and learn more about the innovative scheme.
The aim of the portal is to create a platform for SSE, and its key contractors, to post contract opportunities and increase visibility of its procurement process. Local businesses will be able to view and bid for opportunities in one simple process and even register to receive alerts if suitable contracts are posted.
The initiative is part of SSE’s commitment to promote local procurement and source goods, works and services from small to medium enterprise organisations in the areas in which it operates. Originally inspired by the ‘CompeteFor’ platform used at the London 2012 Olympic Games, it follows the success of SSE’s O4B Highlands and Islands portal, launched last year, which has led to millions of pounds of locally awarded contracts.
At the event, local firms were given short presentations by SSE’s procurement team, learnt about the portal and how it will operate and were given the opportunity to register their business on it. Many of the stakeholders involved in the portal, including Balfour Beatty, Doosan Babcock, HZI, Shanks and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, also attended on the day.
SSE currently owns and operates multiple sites across the North of England including Ferrybridge Power Station in Yorkshire, Fiddlers Ferry Power Station in Cheshire, Aldbrough and Atwick gas storage facilities in East Yorkshire, and Keadby wind farm in Lincolnshire.
SSE is also constructing, through a joint venture with Wheelabrator Inc., a £300m multi-fuel energy plant at its Ferrybridge site, due for completion in 2015. A second multi-fuel plant at the same location is currently awaiting planning consent and is expected to lead to a similar level of investment.
Robin Allen, Business Development Manager of company Britcon (UK) Limited said: "Coming along to the day was really worthwhile. The O4B portal is an exciting opportunity for businesses across the region, and really helps small and medium size enterprises gain access to the larger contracts and opportunities. We have registered our business today and look forward to the increased opportunities that this initiative will create."
For more details on the portal, or to register, please visit www.o4b-pennine.com or email O4B.trans-pennine@sse.com.