A new Lunch & Learn series is launching this spring at The Hub, Spelthorne, to help
local businesses better understand and access public sector contract opportunities.
Developed in partnership between the Spelthorne Business Forum, FSB, and public
procurement expert Omar Hadjel MCIM, the series aims to demystify the process of
bidding for and winning public contracts a market worth over £300 billion annually in
the UK.
Each one-hour session offers a practical, no-nonsense look at different parts of the
procurement journey – from understanding how public buying works, to writing winning
bids, to making use of local procurement platforms like Wayfinder.
It’s ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises that want to grow sustainably while
supporting local government, education, health, and other public sector services.

Sessions include:

  1. Understanding Public Procurement:
    A Foundational Guide for SMEs Mon, 19 May 2025 12:30 -2:30 PM
  2. Getting Public Contract Ready:
    What SMEs Need to Have in Place Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:30 -2:30 PM
  3. Bid Writing Masterclass:
    Telling Your Story to Win Mon, 21 Jul 2025 12:30 -2:30 PM
  4. Finding Opportunities and Building
    Relationships That Last Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:30 -2:30 PM
  5. Wayfinder Session:
    Introduction to the Local Procurement Portal Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:30 -2:30 PM

Contact us to register or press queries: members@sbf.biz