Public tendering lessons learned at the smart business show

Smart business public tendering session

I had the pleasure to chair a session about the state of public tendering in Ireland at the Smart Business Show. The panel consisted of Ross McCarthy of Keystone Procurement, Tony Corrigan of Tenderscout and Tony Clarke of Kendlebell.

Learned a lot

Learned a lot. The size of public procurement in Ireland is 9 billion. With another 4 billion by the agencies. It is about 16% of GDP and a bigger chunk of GNP. That is a lot of money. Surprisingly only 26,000 companies are registered for e-tender and only 15% of those 26,000 is active.

Hot topic

Public tendering has been a hot topic on Smallbusinesscan and my impression was that SMEs still don’t get a look in. However things seem to start to change. And it is not all the fault of government. Apparently the quality of the tenders of Irish SMEs is not very good and needs to shape up if they want to be taken seriously.

Networking is important in public tendering

Tony Corrigan made the point, that tendering is not just about the tendering process. it is about getting to know the buyers and as with all business is about networking and account management (before you tender). You need to be know and you need to be liked and respected.

Different rules

The other Tony said that public tendering is very different to “normal” tendering and different rules apply. Ross said that public tendering only makes sense after you have made an assessment if it makes commercial sense and compares favourably to selling to commercial clients. You need to score at least 90% on the tendering criteria. Below, tendering is pointless. It cost on average    € 4,500 per tender to tender.

Public tendering  is a skill

It is a skill, but once you are in and have learned the tricks, it is a serious opportunity. You should visit the public tendering workshops that Enterprise Ireland, Intertrade, DCU and/or the LEOs provide.

Competitive dialogue

We talked about the problem of start ups getting access to public tender. If you are an innovative start up, you should look at the competitive dialogue route and find an innovate, buyer willing to work with you to develop a product or service that doesn’t exist using this innovation clause.

Consortia, professionalisation,  social impact

We touched on consortia. Ross suggest that they can only work if the companies work to develop a commercial relationship that is as strong as a JV. What you build, when clustering successfully, is essentially a special purpose vehicle to win specific types of public sector work.

We touched upon the professionalism of the buyers, which is improving. We talked about cost/price being an important criteria for public procurement (maybe too much) and we talked about scoring social impact (which is not yet included as a criteria).

Opportunity

I am not doing the conversations and the questions of the audience justice. My conclusion is that is an underestimated opportunity, that the opportunity cost are still high and if you decide to go for it, you need to be professional about it. There is a learning curve, but once you are in, you have creating a competitive advantage. And now is the time.

The experts

If you have any question, I am not the one to ask. Here are the linkedIn profiles of the real experts.

ie.linkedin.com/in/rossmccarthy/en

ie.linkedin.com/in/kendlebellnaas/en

ie.linkedin.com/pub/tony-corrigan/0/362/97b/en

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Deko Foods – Ethnic Food Producer to Create 20 Jobs in Meath

Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English TD welcomed the announcement that a UK-based company will establish operations in Meath, creating 20 jobs.

The jobs being created are with white-label ethnic food producers Deko Foods Ltd.

The company was introduced to Ireland through ConnectIreland, the company responsible for delivering the Government’s Succeed in Ireland initiative, as part of the Action Plan for Jobs, in association with IDA Ireland. Enterprise Ireland has also been instrumental in helping the company to establish in Ireland.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Damien English, T.D., said; “I am delighted that Deko Foods has decided to establish a base in Kells.  This adds to a growing number of companies who have chosen Meath to set up their business.

ConnectIreland Project

“This announcement is another ConnectIreland project that is being supported by the enterprise agencies and is a great example of how local communities can work to win valuable new jobs for Ireland and, in particular, regional areas throughout Ireland.”

Deko Foods Ltd is a specialist white-label manufacturer catering for the Afro-Caribbean and South-American segments of the worldwide ethnic foods market. In order to meet international demand for their food and drink products, Deko Foods will establish a processing plant in Kells Business Park.

The company, which will focus on manufacturing dry, non-perishable food items at the Kells base before expanding, hopes to hire 20 employees in the coming three years. Recruitment is already underway for a number of junior positions, including full and part-time warehousing staff and administration.

CEO of Deko Foods

Yomi Aiyegbusi, Founder and CEO of Deko Foods, said: “We chose Kells, due to its close proximity to both Dublin’s seaport and airport, and also because we found a suitable premises there, ideal for our type of operation. Another incentive was the level of government support and funding provided to new businesses choosing to locate in the Kells area; it’s exceptionally higher than other regions.

“I was also introduced to several other food producers and packagers in the area, all of whom assured me that Kells and its neighbouring towns could provide the necessary resources my business requires, like the right staff. I currently need to recruit an office manager, receptionist, warehouse clerk, forklift operator and four production staff.

“Ireland is perfect for us as it has a rich agricultural heritage and because of its proximity to the UK, where we have an established consumer base. Aside from its English speaking, highly literate population and its attractive tax system, another attraction was the many incentives Ireland provides to new and foreign businesses, especially those that are export-driven or invest heavily in R&D.

“As most of our revenue is generated from export sales and we invest heavily in R&D and NPD, these were significant deciding factors for us. But the ultimate deciding factor was not only Ireland’s hospitable and relaxed nature but also because Ireland is a progressive EU nation that encourages entrepreneurship and is slowly becoming a cosmopolitan hub for not only European but world business. We wished to be part of that progress.”

The company was introduced to ConnectIreland by local Meath man Hugh Morris. Hugh previously introduced Luxembourg-based company Mafic to ConnectIreland, and the subsequently located in Kells. Simply by striking up a conversation and asking companies to consider Ireland, Hugh has now been instrumental in securing 110 jobs for his local area.

DekoJobsAnnouncement3

Kevin Stewart, Meath County Council; Joanna Murphy, COO ConnectIreland; Minister for Skills, Damien English TD; Yomi Aiyegbusi, Deko Foods; Hugh Morris, Connector; and Nick Marmion from Enterprise Ireland celebrate the announcement of 20 jobs for Kells

 

Michael McLoughlin CEO of ConnectIreland commented: “Securing companies like Deko Foods for regional areas is testament to the great work being done by connectors right across the globe. Simply by asking the question ‘have you considered Ireland’, people like Hugh are helping to create job opportunities in their own counties. This company was considering locating in Spain until Hugh introduced them to ConnectIreland.”

This announcement brings the number of projects created in Meath by ConnectIreland under the Succeed in Ireland initiative to five, creating a total of 160 jobs in the region. Four firms have located in Kells, a fifth in Gibbstown.

Michael Cantwell, Divisional Director with Enterprise Ireland added: “This is great news for Meath and EI congratulate ConnectIreland and warmly welcome this food Foreign Direct Investment from Deko Foods. Enterprise Ireland’s Food Division will continue to work with the management as they build their manufacturing operations in Ireland.”

Register as a connector and you could earn a reward of up to €1,500 per job created (maximum 100 jobs).

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Calling all Innovators & Entrepreneurs, we need your help & your green VOTE !!

As with any Irish technology company, we all suffer unique challenges when growing business internationally. As a country we have a small population so we struggle when trying to make as much noise as our International competitors. Even places we assume are tiny states such as Haiti & Togo have twice and three times our population.

Hence we need your help…

One of our company’s, Surface Power HONE which has developed a revolutionary “daylight” powered Nano-heat engine technology is short-listed (final 18 was judged by experts) for the 2Degrees Champions Award –  “Innovation of the Year” which is the world’s leading collaboration platform and service for sustainable business with over 46,500 members from 177 countries. https://www.2degreesnetwork.com/

Surface Power HONE has nearly 7,000 installations of this patented technology over 8 countries to date and it has been kept fairly secretive until recently. The technology was field tested in the West of Ireland & New Zealand as the daylight levels are some of the lowest in the OECD. In short, it replaces the use of oil and gas for heating and cooling with free daylight. Have a look at LIVE customers on our website such as the UK National Health Service running their hospital’s central heating on free “daylight” (sounds mad but true !!)

The next phase of the 2Degrees “Innovation of the Year Awards” is a voting stage which will reduce the final 18 to 5 for the big awards ceremony and we need your help and your vote. 

Although already in the short-list of 18, we are the only Irish Technology company in this shortlist and are up against huge players such as Nestle, General Motors & B&Q.

You can vote for us by clicking the link below to get us into the final 5 and we thank you in advance for that vote. Be sure to tweet it afterwards using the link so we can personally send you a thank you tweet. Go raibh maith agat as do chabhair.

Best Regards, John Quinn, CEO. (Twitter – @johnquinn_irl )

Read our story and VOTE from below.

https://www.2degreesnetwork.com/groups/2degrees-community/resources/surface-powers-nano-engine-harvests-light-generate-heating-and-cooling/

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26 counties involved in Climate Launchpad

26 countries (and counting)

We are growing. Fast. ClimateLaunchpad is now up and running in 26 countries. Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea to tackle climate change can enter in their own country. Our cleantech business idea competition takes them on a rousing ride, with a 2-day Business Boot Camp, 6 follow-up Coaching Sessions and a National Final. It all leads up to the thrilling European Final in the Netherlands in September. Europe’s top-8 ideas win direct access to Climate-KIC Accelerator, the only EU business acceleration programme focused on cleantech commercialisation. The European Final top-3 win money prizes ranging from € 2,500 to € 10,000.

Open for applications

Does your business idea tackle climate change? Even if the idea is still on the back of a napkin, you could be the next cleantech hero. Closure dates in Ireland and Slovenia have passed, but we’re still open in 24 countries. Don’t miss out, check the application deadline for your country now. For Ireland you have until Monday. Contact ron@smallbusinesscan.com.

Spread the word

Please share this e-mail with all your friends, colleagues and former classmates. ClimateLaunchpad could be their ticket to European and global success.

Last year’s winner

In 2014 Sara West and Alexander Torstenfeldt won the spectacular European Final in Valencia. Wavetube is their venture based on the idea to produce renewable energy from the motion of ocean waves. Sara tells us what happened since they won the 2014 edition:

‘ClimateLaunchpad has opened up a vast network and expertise that we can easily access as we accelerate our development. Right now we are entering a very critical stage where we are refining the design of our wave power solution in order to maximise the efficiency. We will perform experimental tests in Northern Ireland during the summer before we move on to demonstrating the Wavetube solution in its real environment: the ocean.’ Read the whole story.

Curious about the other winners?

Stay tuned on Facebook and Twitter and follow the updates.

A ClimateLaunchpad glimpse

Check this video for a flashback to the 2014 edition and to get an idea of what to expect for this year’s competition.

The post 26 counties involved in Climate Launchpad appeared first on Small Business Can.

26 countries involved in Climate Launchpad

26 countries (and counting)

We are growing. Fast. ClimateLaunchpad is now up and running in 26 countries. Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea to tackle climate change can enter in their own country. Our cleantech business idea competition takes them on a rousing ride, with a 2-day Business Boot Camp, 6 follow-up Coaching Sessions and a National Final. It all leads up to the thrilling European Final in the Netherlands in September. Europe’s top-8 ideas win direct access to Climate-KIC Accelerator, the only EU business acceleration programme focused on cleantech commercialisation. The European Final top-3 win money prizes ranging from € 2,500 to € 10,000.

Open for applications

Does your business idea tackle climate change? Even if the idea is still on the back of a napkin, you could be the next cleantech hero. Closure dates in Ireland and Slovenia have passed, but we’re still open in 24 countries. Don’t miss out, check the application deadline for your country now. For Ireland you have until Monday. Contact ron@smallbusinesscan.com.

Spread the word

Please share this e-mail with all your friends, colleagues and former classmates. ClimateLaunchpad could be their ticket to European and global success.

Last year’s winner

In 2014 Sara West and Alexander Torstenfeldt won the spectacular European Final in Valencia. Wavetube is their venture based on the idea to produce renewable energy from the motion of ocean waves. Sara tells us what happened since they won the 2014 edition:

‘ClimateLaunchpad has opened up a vast network and expertise that we can easily access as we accelerate our development. Right now we are entering a very critical stage where we are refining the design of our wave power solution in order to maximise the efficiency. We will perform experimental tests in Northern Ireland during the summer before we move on to demonstrating the Wavetube solution in its real environment: the ocean.’ Read the whole story.

Curious about the other winners?

Stay tuned on Facebook and Twitter and follow the updates.

A ClimateLaunchpad glimpse

Check this video for a flashback to the 2014 edition and to get an idea of what to expect for this year’s competition.

The post 26 countries involved in Climate Launchpad appeared first on Small Business Can.

Future proof your business at #Bizpartyinspires conference

Irishbizparty conference

On 15 April I have the pleasure of speaking at the #IrishBizparty conference in Dublin. I have been an admirer of Samantha Kelly for quite a while. First time I met her was in the house of one of the dragons, when she had started Funky Goddess and got the investment.

I am a Sam fan

Since then she has gone from strength to strength. She has written a book, is on TV and has created a number of communities, including #irishbizparty. As one of the founders of Smallbusinesscan, I can assure you, that is no mean feat.

Therefore I was delighted she asked me to speak at the Dublin conference.

Future proofing your business

My topic for the day is future proofing your business. Future trends is what we do a lot with Bookbuzz. When you talk to small businesses, I am always amazed on how trend watching is not on the radar. Granted, I read too much science fiction, but to stay in business, you need to be aware. To strategise and to know where you are going, you need context. Trend watching gives you that context and a picture of the place of your business in that future.

If you don’t recognise the names below, I would argue, that you are in trouble,

  • Richard Watson
  • Ray Kurzweil
  • Jason Silva
  • Faith Popcorn
  • Chris Anderson
  • Naseem Taleb
  • Brian Solis
  • Ken Robinson
  • Seth Godin

Not to worry, on the day, I will walk you through some of the key concepts that these business experts talk and write about and will give you some tools to help you make sense.

Hope to see you there and hope to be as inspirational as Samantha.

 

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DCU ICT HUB

Change your business forever

Innovation has always been our passion. Everyone underestimates how much universities can add innovation to SMEs and make them more competitive and future proof.

As a result we have been asked  by the Dublin Universities (DCU, Trinity and the Innovation Academy in UCD). to look at how they engage with businesses and particularly the ones that normally would not look at universities for ideas and support.  

One day

In one day you will:

  • Discover Ireland’s best kept secret for growth for SMEs  
  • Unleash the power of innovation for your company
  • Get inspired by the innovation and opportunities that universities have to offer
  • Power your company with the greatest minds and resources on your doorstep

The idea is that this one day will give businesses a flavour of the innovation, research and opportunities that universities have to offer and deliver an informative and attention-grabbing day. The day will include a practical information pack,  (non academic) speakers, campus tours, breakfast, lunch and networking drinks reception. As an outcome we expect that some of the businesses will start engaging with the universities. Part of the follow on of the day, will be us supporting and tracking that engagement.

Here is a link to eventbrite to book your ticket

DCU ICT hub

Here is Noel O’Connor, the head of the ICT hub talking about the research:

 

The Information Technology and Digital Society Research & Enterprise Hub targets the translation of DCU’s ICT-based research outputs into the digital economy leveraging a diverse expertise base that covers data analytics, cloud computing, intelligent content among many other areas.

With increasing global competition the ICT sector is becoming acutely aware of the need to climb the “value chain” in terms of its technical activity, which for the sector means engaging in research and development. Ireland has one of the highest concentrations of ICT activity and employment in the OECD and is currently home to over 200 multinational ICT companies providing many opportunities for innovation.  There are many centres of excellence based at DCU operating in this space. Through the Information Technology and Digital Society Research and Enterprise Hub the university brings together multi-disciplinary teams of researchers, in close partnership with other universities and institutes to address ICT research and development. It also engages with Irish and international industry to understand how best to facilitate this. DCU is committed to assuming a leading role in helping to transform the ICT sector towards the next stage in its evolution.

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Climate KIC – deadline extension for Accelerator and Pioneer Programme

Climate KIC is a large pan-European enterprise, research and capacity building programme focused on sustainability and low carbon solutions. Climate KIC activities in Ireland are run in partnership with The Green Way and Energy Cork in collaboration with Innovation Birmingham and Climate KIC. These opportunities are open to any organisation/ individual in the Republic of Ireland.

There are currently 3 open opportunities

1. Low Carbon Accelerator Programme – closing date for applications is 30 March 2015. This is a 3-stage programme and those organisations that progress to stage 2 and 3 will receive unique access to a potential UK supply/ value chain. Applicants that reach stage 3 of the programme can receive a grant of up to €20,000 in funding to support their business development. For more information please go to http://www.thegreenway.ie/opportunities/climate-kic/low-carbon-accelerator/.

2. Climate Launchpad – closing date for applications is 2 April 2015. This is Europe’s largest low-carbon and cleantech IDEAS Generation competition; it can also be described as a pre-accelerator. For more information please go to http://www.thegreenway.ie/opportunities/climate-kic/climate-launchpad/. If you are an early-stage start-up, SME, researcher, student, public organisation, consultancy, engineering company or a combination of these, and have a cleantech/ sustainability idea – please apply. To apply please go to http://climatelaunchpad.org/. Participants of the programme will receive targeted coaching and support to help develop their idea, and 3 finalists will be selected at a National Final to be held on 22 June 2015, as part of the Sustainability Gathering. Gravity Centres is sponsoring the 3 months membership for each of the 3 national finalists in their new Dublin premises with a total estimated value of this prize is €10,000. The three national finalists will represent Ireland at European finals in September.

3. Pioneers into Practice – closing date for receipt of applications is 30 March 2015. This programme connects a new generation of low-carbon specialists, entrepreneurs and policy makers to share knowledge via two 1-month-long internships in six European regions. In these internships, the participants are trained in systematic innovation and will gather first-hand experience in the implementation of innovative concepts. For more information please go to http://www.thegreenway.ie/opportunities/climate-kic/climate-kic-entrepreneurship/

For additional information contact Aideen O’Hora at aohora@thegreenway.ie

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Take a bus journey that will change your business for ever

SME engagement with universities has always been a passion of ours. We think it is underestimated how much universities could add to small business and make them more competitive and future proof.

As a result, have been asked  by KTI and the Dublin Universities to look at how they engage with small businesses and particularly the ones that normally would not look at universities for ideas and support.  We decided to book a bus, try to fill them with owner managers and give them access to 3 universities in one day (16 April).

The idea is that this one day will give businesses a flavour of the innovation, research and opportunities that universities have to offer and deliver a informative and interesting day. The day will include a practical information pack,  (non academic) speakers, campus tours and breakfast, lunch and drinks reception. As an outcome we expect that some of the business will start engaging. Part of the follow on of the day, will be us supporting and tracking that engagement.

You can your ticket here. You need to book soon as tickets are running out (maximum 50 are allowed on the bus).

Here is sample of what is available

We blogged about it earlier here and on LinkedIn

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DCU sustainability hub

Universities can make you more future proof

SME engagement with universities has always been a passion. We think it is underestimated how much universities could add to small business and make them more competitive and future proof.

3 universities in a day

As a result, we have been asked  by KTI and the Dublin Universities to look at how they engage with small businesses and particularly the ones that normally would not look at universities for ideas and support.  We decided to book a bus, try to fill them with owner managers and give them access to 3 universities in one day (16 April). The idea is that this one day will give businesses a flavour of the innovation, research and opportunities that universities have to offer and deliver a informative and interesting day. The day will include a practical information pack,  (non academic) speakers, campus tours and breakfast, lunch and drinks reception. As an outcome we expect that some of the business will start engaging. Part of the follow on of the day, will be us supporting and tracking that engagement.

DCU sustainability hub

For example DCU has a sustainability hub. Here is Stephen Daniels, the head of the sustainability hub talking about some of the research:

The hub drives scientific and social science research, technology development and innovation which supports sustainable development in both industry and the environment. Expertise includes advanced manufacturing, environmental monitoring, water technologies and energy systems.

DCU research aims to discover new science and technologies that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. These discoveries will help companies to design sustainable products and services, miniaturise components, source renewable materials, integrate ICT, reduce the cost of production and transport by using alternative low cost energy resources – resulting in more sustainable businesses. Environmental research is focussing on monitoring and managing renewable resources such as water and developing advanced science and technologies to harness new resources for energy. All interesting business opportunities.

Stephen Daniels

Here is Stephen Daniels, the head of the sustainability hub talking about some of the research

 

Here is a link to event brite if you want to join us http://www.eventbrite.ie/e/visit-3-universities-in-one-day-tickets-15872746813

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