Procurement professionals, major buyers and businesses in South West Wales are being encouraged to attend an event exploring how to keep more major public spending within the region, ensuring a healthy recirculation of wealth.
The event, titled The Art of the Possible, takes place at Swansea Grand Hotel on Thursday December 12. It is being organised by EFT Consult, a building services consultancy specialising in sustainability, and 4theRegion, a membership alliance working to bring about positive change in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
The work of 4TheRegion covers six key areas: keeping procurement within the region by buying locally; promoting the circular economy; boosting wellbeing and quality of life; nurturing tourism and good transport networks; development and investment for regeneration; and growing the creative and digital economy.
Reflecting these aims, speakers at The Art of the Possible include Tom Lloyd-Goodwin from the CLES – Centre for Local Economic Strategies, talking about the Preston Model and its application here in South West Wales; Dr Eurgain Powell, Change Maker at the office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, talking about how the Welsh Government’s seven well-being goals could and should shape procurement decisions; and Professor Rudi Klein, a specialist procurement solicitor, who will be sharing his insights as to how procurement law need not be a barrier, and how much can be achieved within the existing procurement guidelines.
Dawn Lyle said:
“Community wealth building has emerged as a powerful approach to local economic development, reorganising local economies so that wealth is not extracted but held and recirculated within the region.
“We’re asking how we can ensure anchor institutions are spending their money within the region, with all the amazing businesses and suppliers we have in South West Wales. We will explore how to make sure regional businesses can grow and prosper, rather than letting contracts slip away to major national and multi-national firms with no long-term interest in our communities.
“This is an open event in partnership with EFT Consult, for anyone with an interest in regional procurement, community wealth building, supply chain, and the Foundational Economy. We are particularly keen to welcome procurement teams from the region’s major anchor institutions, including Swansea University, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Pobl Group, Coastal Housing Group, the PSBs, the health boards, and the four local authorities.”
The event takes place on December 12 at the Grand Hotel, Swansea. Tickets cost £19.99 and are available from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/procurement-forum-the-art-of-the-possible-tickets-65252158964
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