Access To Procurement Programme International Enterprise Promotion Convention Harrogate 8th - 10th November 2010

Introductions Joy Nichols MBE, QAEP, FRSA CEO - Nichols Training Limited

Content A2P Project Aims Significance and Impact Project Update – Key Milestones Achieved Research Findings – Future Project Milestones Conclusions Question & Answer

A2P Aims Base line research - Analytical work to review existing procurement legislation and practices, identify SME bottlenecks, generate strategic options for a SME support programme, and develop the training materials and other supporting documents. Consultations with SMEs and Women’s Empowerment Groups through their relevant business associations took place to ensure that their views were accommodated and acted on.   Developing and overseeing Train-the-Trainer and SME training course to at least 100 local SMEs to test and refine the new training product; and ensure trainers have achieved required level of competency.

Stakeholders Stakeholders Government of Uganda (Gou) Commonwealth Secretariat – Technical Assistance Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) – Governance of Procurement Strategic Partners Enterprise Uganda Private Sector Foundation Uganda National Register of Provider – (PPDA) Procurement and Disposing Entities (PDEs)

Significance and Impact ? Demand side Led initiative – GoU / PPDA – Strategic “Buy In” Delivered by SMEs for SMEs – “Localism” embedded By design a targeted initiative which focuses on the needs of all SMEs globally Aims to “Broker” – Researched Client Demand with “Qualified” Supply of SME Businesses Initiative seeks to create greater opportunities for (SMEs) to effectively compete for the millions of Shillings / Dollars of contracts offered by major public sector and statutory bodies within Uganda

Project Milestones Considerable amount of work has been undertaken thus far (MERR Methodology); Mobilisation - To engage stakeholders and strategic partners Methodology – Questionnaire and Focus group design and implementation agreed, Quality and training embedded Engagement – Through Stakeholders and strategic partners SME Questionnaire / Sectorial Focus Group / PDE Questionnaire Research Report – Findings collected, presented and validated, Conclusions and recommendations agreed. Deliver Strategic Plenary Session – Kampala October 2010

Introduction To The Research Findings Extensive engagement through a holistic approach – multiple stakeholders Evidence base to directly shape the future development of the A2P programme 4 elements considered - Views of SMEs Views of PDEs Engagement of Intermediaries Strategic “Buy In”

Barriers & Challenges Faced: SMEs Businesses at all stages of the development life-cycle participated in completing the SME Questionnaire: Key Findings - Ranked: “Insufficient knowledge of the formal tendering process & contractor expectations”   “No feedback was made available about previous unsuccessful tenders” “Lack of opportunity to meet the decision makers/buyers” “My company is too small to service large contracts “The procurement process is too lengthy ” “Payment terms offered, not suitable”

Barriers & Challenges Faced: PDEs Drive to Reduce the Supplier Base SME Capacity SMEs Lack of Knowledge Already Engaging SMEs Ongoing CPD of Procurement Officers Contract Size Dissemination Of Procurement Plans

Future Project Milestones Implementation - Deliver the Trainer of the Trainer Programme – Methodology ensures “Localism” embedded – Trainers identified through local intermediaries.   Implementation - Deliver the business support package to SMEs – Commence 22nd November 2010 - Development and delivery ensures “Localism” embedded – Local Trainers deliver the training programme to local businesses supported by Nichols Training Limited 11

Conclusion Whilst the A2P programme is accessible to and of benefit to all Uganda’s SMEs, it is by design a targeted initiative which focuses on the needs of all small and medium sized businesses globally. As research has informed us that once generic and specific barriers have been identified and solutions have been put in place to address these barriers, SMEs can successfully compete and deliver goods and services to the public sectors.

Questions & Further Information Jerome Albarus – Managing Director Head Office: Nichols Training Limited 95 Goldhawk Road Shepherds Bush W12 8EG j.albarus@cmb2group.com 0208 746 4800