NEXT WEEK: Huge BEE supplier EXPO development held in Midrand

The revised BEE Codes place greater emphasis on enterprise and supplier development, making it important for organisation to develop relationships with up-and-coming suppliers and identify suppliers seeking corporate mentors.

Next week, September 9 & 10, you have a chance to meet the right suppliers in one place. Over 400 verified, black-owned businesses are showcasing at the ABSA Enterprise Development Expo and Smart Procurement World Expo.

Buyers from corporate South Africa are invited to visit the Expos to engage with hundreds of suppliers that may offer the supply solutions you are looking for.

Furthermore, the expos are hosting sector-specific ‘meet & greet’ sessions (engineering, construction, manufacturing, services, petrochemical, mining, energy and ICT) where buyers and sellers from specific sectors meet at designated times and places over the two days.

“Visitors can register at no cost to attend the expo and the ‘meet & greet’ sessions,” says Debbie Tagg, expo organiser. “The aim of these Expos and meeting sessions is to promote the development of small, black-owned suppliers by pairing them with the big corporates in their sectors.”

Public sector round tables

The 6th Annual Public Sector Supply Chain Summit will for the first time host the ‘Government Tier Round Tables’, which will address the realities of SCM in the public sector and offer shared discussion and solutions.

By attending the conference government departments can remain ahead in this essential capacity building programme.

Topic’s that will be addressed throughout the conference include:

• The state procurement system: making sure it is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective
• Efficient, economic, effective and transparent utilisation of financial and other resources
• The support needed to enforce the transparent and effective management of state procurement
• Ensuring efficient delivery through key infrastructure procurement projects
• The leading trends and opportunities facing procurement and supply chain

With over hundreds of CPOs and senior-level delegates registered, over 1200 visitors expected and more than 110 world class speakers, this year’s Smart Procurement Word Conference and Expo is looking to be the biggest yet.