BAM Construction
BAM Construction - Meet the Buyer Event
![Bam construction Bam construction](/media/2278/bam3_v_Variation_2.jpg)
‘The event with BAM Construction is a first class
example of how the Council can work with industry to generate
trading opportunities for local businesses in the
area.’ Gordon Andrews, Head of Economic
Development Neath Port Talbot Council.
Engaging with local companies brings a wide range of benefits
including: local knowledge, local people and support for the local
economy while reducing our carbon footprint. They also help BAM
support Local Council’s policies for sustainable and local
procurement. As BAM Western was expanding in South Wales, building
relationships with local subcontractors and suppliers was a
priority.
BAM met with Business Support Officers from Neath Port Talbot
Council to discuss the best way to engage local companies. It was
agreed a ‘Meet the Buyer Day’ would be most beneficial. Using the
Councils knowledge of SME’s in and around the local area it became
clear that there was substantial interest in the event.
![Bam and NPT Council Bam and NPT Council](/media/2277/bam1_v_Variation_3.jpg)
A list of target trades and suppliers was provided along with
the requirements for working with BAM regarding Health &
Safety, Environmental and Employment standards. The trades
reflected the procurement schedule for the recently commenced local
school project and also typical works packages.
BAM organised a venue at a local hotel conference room and set
up individual discussion areas in a relaxed environment. Each
company which had pre-registered with the Local Council had half
hour slots to pitch their business to a BAM Manager who could make
a decision on their suitability and confirm or decline the
opportunity to tender on the local project or registration on the
BAM Supply Chain for future opportunities.
To support the subcontractors who needed further assistance to
meet the required standard, BAM and organisations including
Construct Wales, Workways Employment and the Councils Business
Support Department were on hand to assess business requirements and
highlight training opportunities.
![Bam Construction Bam Construction](/media/2279/bam4_v_Variation_2.jpg)
Sixty companies attended the buyer day held on 28th March 2011.
75% of these companies were added to the BAM Supply Chain database
and 55% were invited to tender for over thirty packages on a local
school project. The feedback and results tangibly demonstrate the
positive impact of the day.
Following the event local training needs were evaluated and
prioritised. Neath Port Talbot Council planned local training
workshops, to bring the companies up to required standards. By
organising group sessions the council was able to reduce the cost
of the workshops, which made the training a viable option for the
smaller companies. The training will help to ensure the companies
are fit to compete on future construction tenders.
"Every supplier is allocated 20 – 30 minutes, and in
some cases longer, with a buyer representative. This enables a
meaningful discussion to take place and as a result the companies
obtain a more in-depth knowledge of the buyer requirements,
including mandatory accreditations. In this instance it also
allowed the individual suppliers to explain what they have to offer
BAM Construction Ltd. Overall, a well received and executed
approach to introducing local supplier with buyer. If success is
determined by how the suppliers viewed the event then the graph
below, taken from a survey of the local supply companies at the end
of the event, clearly shows it to be very well received and
appreciated." Lynne Davies, Construct
Wales
For the full press release, please see the link below:-