Public procurement will play a key role in supporting economic growth over the next few years. The economic challenges facing Scotland will require a sharpening focus on the importance of effective procurement.

The Scottish Government’s Fifth National Public Procurement Conference will provide an opportunity to hear how organisations and individuals from across the public sector are meeting the challenges and what lessons can be learned from those involved in reforming procurement practices and performance.

Collaboration across the public and private sectors has led to the delivery of better public services across Scotland. As the reform agenda moves forward, the importance of Learning from Others becomes ever more relevant as lessons learned in one area could help or be applied in others to minimise effort and maximise efficiencies in economic and best practice terms. Compliance with procurement policy and standards, improving engagement with and management of supplier relations and developing and continuously improving procurement skills, capacity and capability are key themes of the reform agenda to further improve performance in public procurement.

This year’s event will again be aligned with Procurex Scotland 2009, a private and public sector procurement exhibition. Supported by the Scottish Government, Procurex Scotland offers suppliers a unique arena in which to develop opportunities across both business sectors.