NI Water is preparing to host its annual Supplier Engagement Event in Belfast which will see the debut of a new Innovation Zone.

The event will be an opportunity for new and existing contractors and suppliers across a diverse range of sectors to find out more about NI Water's upcoming 18 month tender programme. It will be held at Titanic Belfast on Thursday 21 November in partnership with InterTradeIreland.

The utility is particularly interested in hearing from those in the legal sector, as well as building maintenance and facilities management companies.

NI Water's strategic contractors Meridian Utilities Ltd, Grahams Facilities Management, McAllister Bros, BSG Civil engineering, GEDA Construction, Farrans and Magdalene will all be in attendance to meet potential new sub-contractors.

This year's new Innovation Zone will be staffed by members of the Research, Development and Innovation team. NI Water will be focusing on energy; calm networks and smart networks; and data analytics / artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking about the upcoming event, Ronan Larkin, NI Water's Director of Finance and Regulation, explained: "In the 2018/19 financial year alone, NI Water awarded contracts to the value of £205 million to suppliers and contractors. Many of these contracts have benefited local firms in many sectors, not least the construction and engineering sector, thereby continuing to support our local economy at a time of significant challenge.

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"This event is also a timely reminder that additional investment in our sewerage systems is essential to boost the local economy and is essential for local companies to develop and thrive. To remain fit for purpose, we calculate that the sum is £2.5bn, including £1bn to address used water, flooding and drainage problems in Belfast alone.

"Local businesses are encouraged to join the discussion and come along to Supplier’s Day to find out more. I would strongly encourage all representatives from the local business community to register today to attend Titanic Belfast on the 21st November to see what opportunities are available and talk to our procurement team."

Grant Gilmore, InterTradeIreland's Public Tendering Manager added: "Supplier Engagement events are about giving SME's access to key personnel and staff who commission and procure goods and services on behalf of the public sector; but they are also the opportunity for the public sector to learn about new suppliers and innovations in the market place. The 2019 NI Water event offers SME's access to NI Water budget holders, the innovation team and their key Tier 1 Suppliers. Also new this year is the attendance of Ervia. Through their regulated business, Irish Water, they are responsible for the operation and maintenance of Ireland's water and wastewater assets, as well as the national gas network and Aurora Telecoms. They will deliver a key presentation on upcoming pipeline opportunities. 

"As well as engaging directly with key staff, learning the benefits of public sector tendering, upcoming opportunities and supply chain possibilities, InterTradeIreland and NI Water will continue to inform and upskill delegates through information sessions on related topics such as 'Winning Collaborative Bids', 'Managing an NI Water contract' and how to make best use of eTenders."

(CM/MH)