19/08/2011 - 'Buy Local' Event a success for Wyre Forest

Local construction giant Thomas Vale has held a major 'Buy Local' event in partnership with Wyre Forest District Council and Ice Blue; to maximise and discuss opportunities for local businesses to get involved in procurement activities across the area.

The event, hosted at the purpose built £1.5million Forum Training Centre - was attended by more than 50 members of the immediate business community.

The www.finditinworcestershire.com procurement portal provides the opportunities for local businesses to get involved. Worcestershire has a varied economy with many world renowned brands emanating from the county. Its long history in innovation and quality is continuing today. Billions of pounds worth of business is conducted in Worcestershire every year. Their dedicated procurement portal offers the opportunity to access some of that business and help promote the local economy.

Working closely with partners such as Business Link West Midlands and the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, the portal and its support network, helps to reduce barriers faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) when competing for contracts within the public and private sectors.

Paul Clarke, Divisional Director adds: "It is important that local companies are supported in helping to understand packages and opportunities that are available to them. These kind of events are key to ensuring a continued line of communication to instill economic sustainability within the immediate local area."

Primary focus of the event, was the new design and build £6.9 million Civic Offices development for Wyre Forest District Council situated on the Finepoint Estate, Kidderminster. The new offices are a key element and driver in the authority's plans to deliver revenue savings of £500,000 year on year, saving tax-payers money in order for it to be redirected into front-line services that the local communities can benefit from.

The new building project will also see the Council delivering on its promise to reduce CO2 emissions from its buildings by 85%. The building has been designed with the aim of achieving an ‘excellent’ BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating. This means that the building will contain a number of innovative low carbon technologies including ground source heat pump and a green roof.