MORE than 150 businesses attended a meeting at County Hall, Worcester, to find out how they could do business with Worcestershire County Council.

The free breakfast and networking event organised by Finditinworcestershire showcased the Council’s new commissioning approach to providing services.

Sander Kristel, director of commercial and change at the County Council, talked about the breadth of services which Council delivers for Worcestershire residents and how the Council is tackling financial challenges head on and doing things differently by becoming a commissioning authority, making it keen to ensure that Worcestershire businesses have every opportunity to work with the Council.

Rosanna Davenport, the County Council's commercial commissioning officer, explained to businesses how they can get involved. This included where to find opportunities at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/tendering, explaining the tender process and how contracts are awarded. Businesses were also invited to attend training supplied by Worcestershire Business Central on "negotiation skills" and "writing winning tenders".

Kathryn Wagstaff, Project Manager of Finditinworcestershire, said: "Director of commercial and change is part of the Council’s skill enhancement and cost saving changes to its senior management team. Sander informed businesses of the range of opportunities available to them and the impact that the delivery of commissioning services will have on the county. Attendees took a strong interest in this and were keen to engage further with members of the commercial team. ”

Many of Worcestershire’s leading businesses, including Mercian Events, Areca Design, Impetus, BizSmart and TDM Academy took the opportunity to showcase their brand, products and services to fellow Finditinworcestershire members with exhibition stands.