We're pleased to announce the next MICTA event:

Tuesday 3rd May

6pm for 6:30, Sanderson Suite, Claremont Hotel, Douglas

We are privileged to have as our speaker

Mr. Neil Davidson, Head of Procurement, Isle of Man Government

Neil will give a presentation that explains how Government Tenders for goods and services; his presentation will cover both the role of the newly formed Procurement Services and the Government's procurement policy.

Neil's presentation will be followed by questions and discussion of how the current procurement methods used by Government impact the island's ICT suppliers.The Government is by far the single largest customer for ICT services on the island, representing around half of on-island ICT procurement. We will particularly be discussing the barriers that exist in the Government procurement process which make it difficult for smaller businesses to supply to Government.

This event follows on from our last event on Collaboration, attended by Alex Downie MLC and Ron Berry, during which they kindly offered to assist MICTA in better interfacing with Government.

Given the breadth and scale of Government procurement we believe this event will have resonance for many members. In addition to the "core" systems it operates Gov't buys all sorts of ICT including specialist products, services and expertise such as ePOS development, boutique websites, digitisation and publishing, mobile data, vehicle location, consultancy etc.  Many of these are appropriate to the smaller suppliers on the island, but in some cases work has been lost to larger off-island suppliers due to previous Gov't procurement practices. This event will provide both Neil and members with the opportunity to explore how more of the Government's ICT spending can be retain on-island to benefit the local economy.

We look forward to seeing you there. Please try to let me know you're coming, not essential but it helps. RSVP to secretary@micta.im, just so I can make sure there's enough coffee, sandwiches etc. Pay on the door, £6 for MICTA members employees, £9 for non-members.