In October, eleven local authorities in the North East are set to implement Open, a public procurement platform developed by the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO), in collaboration with Sunderland City Council.

This initiative aims to simplify the procurement process for public sector projects while increasing engagement with regional businesses, including community and social enterprises.

Glenda Malone, a senior manager in procurement at Sunderland City Council, expressed her enthusiasm for being the first to adopt Open, highlighting its potential benefits for suppliers and the regional economy.

Adam Smith, head of digital and e-procurement at NEPO, noted that the rollout of Open represents a significant advancement in streamlining procurement and enhancing efficiency across the region.

Since its pilot launch, Open has already supported over 7,000 registered suppliers, demonstrating its effectiveness in the procurement landscape.

The platform is designed to enhance transparency and accessibility for local suppliers throughout the procurement process.

NEPO has outlined a 12-month implementation plan to integrate Open across twelve local authorities, aiming to provide over 6,000 competitive opportunities annually.