InterTradeIreland this week announced the relaunch of the next phase of its acclaimed Go-2-Tender programme. This essential support initiative is designed to assist SMEs across the island of Ireland in securing public sector contracts – both locally and cross-border. InterTradeIreland has helped businesses to transition through various periods of economic change such as BREXIT and Covid. Its role is as important as ever, amidst the threat of ongoing global economic uncertainties. Businesses across the island who develop cross-border trading relationships have found sales into the opposite jurisdiction to be a vital buffer against external economic shocks. That’s why InterTradeIreland is continuing to link businesses and support them as they seek to maximise cross-border public procurement opportunities.
The public procurement market across the island of Ireland represents a significant economic opportunity, estimated at €21 billion/£18 billion. This week, InterTradeIreland held discussions with Ministers to explore how public procurement, social value and a greater focus on sustainability can create opportunities for near-shoring supply chains. The discussions also highlighted how initiatives like the Go-2-Tender and Supply Chain programmes align with shared policy goals to grow indigenous businesses, boost productivity and encourage market diversification. The Ministers endorsed the Go-2-Tender programme as a key strategic component to help engage more businesses in cross-border supply chains.
The Go-2-Tender programme is now in phase nine and having assisted over 1,100 businesses during the period 2021 – 2024, offers a specialist series of workshops, masterclasses, and bespoke one-to-one mentoring. The programme covers essential topics such as understanding the public procurement process, how to access public procurement opportunities and practical tips to businesses on how to structure and write winning bids. It allows businesses to embed tendering as a strategic business process.
This comprehensive approach equips SMEs with the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills needed to increase their success rates in public sector tenders across the island of Ireland. The workshops are proudly supported by the Office of Government Procurement, Construction and Procurement Delivery, and the Strategic Investment Board.
Speaking at the launch, Finance Minister John O’Dowd said:
The Go-2-Tender programme is a valuable initiative in helping to engage more businesses in public sector work and supply chains. Public procurement presents a significant economic opportunity for our local businesses and plays an integral role in boosting productivity and supporting employment.
Over 95% of the total number of registered businesses in the North are small and micro enterprises and my Department is committed to continued collaboration with InterTradeIreland, ensuring these businesses are not just aware of cross-border opportunities but also equipped to compete and succeed in them.
John O’Dowd, Finance Minister
Minister Emer Higgins, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, said:
With macro-economic uncertainty in the world growing, our business community need targeted supports to allow them to flourish. InterTradeIreland's Go-2-Tender programme provides invaluable practical guidance that empowers SMEs to navigate the complexities of public sector tendering. This programme serves as an essential resource for businesses aiming to secure consistent work and drive growth. It significantly contributes to our economic strength by facilitating greater access to public contracts for more businesses.
Emer Higgins, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation
Commenting on the programme's significance, Colin McCabrey, Director of Trade at InterTradeIreland said:
The Go-2-Tender programme is more vital than ever in empowering SMEs across the island to tap into the immense public procurement market. Our tailored training and expert mentorship provide businesses with the practical skills and confidence needed to win and manage public sector contracts, fostering growth and improving the competitiveness and resilience of indigenous businesses on the island. This week’s meeting was a great opportunity to work collaboratively to explore ways to increase SME engagement in the all-island procurement market.
Colin McCabrey, Director of Trade at InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland has a long-standing track record of helping SMEs manage tenders and win public sector contracts, offering tailored expertise for success. The Go-2-Tender programme is positioned as the definitive training resource for businesses looking to improve their odds of winning public sector tenders. InterTradeIreland is committed to growing support for businesses in this space, with new supply chain programmes expected to be launched later in the year.
For more information on the Go-2-Tender programme, tendering resources, or to sign up for upcoming workshops and masterclasses, visit our Go-2-Tender page.
