The event set for 6 February at the borough’s prestigious Himley Hall, builds on the success of two earlier open evening sessions the council trialled in late 2018.

At the events, business can learn how they can tender for work with the council and take part in valuable networking sessions. It runs from 4pm – 7pm and includes presentations, Q&As and a networking session.

Businesses of all sizes are invited to attend to find out about the council’s procurement process, what they need to do to tender for business and suggest ways that the council can make it easier for local businesses to bid.

There will be presentations from the procurement team, Dudley Business First which offers business support and advice, as well information about the Mayoral Business Club and the health and wellbeing support available to businesses of all sizes to help them keep their employees well and happy.

Businesses can also find out about Dudley’s new approach to commissioning, through its approach to delivering social value. Before a procurement decision is made, alongside considering quality of work and value for money, the council will look at the social, economic and environmental benefits that can be delivered from its procurement spend. All bids for council contracts will need to consider how their work can benefit the borough.

The open evening runs from 4pm–7pm on Wednesday 6 February at Himley Hall. To register for this free event visit eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/local-business-open-evening-registration-53647056791.

For any queries email commercialandprocurement@dudley.gov.uk

Councillor Bec Gentle, cabinet member for partnerships, commercial and best practice said:

"Dudley Council is pleased to welcome local businesses to Himley Hall for this business open evening to look at ways in which we can all work together going forwards.

"As a council we are determined to engage more with local businesses and promote a 'Think Local' approach to council spending."

The open evenings are part of the work of the council’s new commercial and procurement division which is looking at the ways the council’s trading arm - Revolution can make additional income through the services it offers as well as improving the way it procures goods and services from businesses.