The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is hosting an event in the Forest of Dean to show small firms how to tender for new business.

The FSB is collaborating with Forest of Dean District Council to raise awareness of how small businesses can improve their chances of winning procurement contracts for goods and services with public and large private bodies.

The council has recently implemented the 'In-tend' e-procurement portal to manage tendering activity.

The portal provides security for both suppliers and buyers, including the secure transmission of tender documents, resulting in a reduction of paperwork. Registration is simple and provides access to all tendering opportunities for the Forest of Dean District Council, Cotswold District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council and more.

To register on the 'intend' procurement portal visit intendhost.co.uk/gosharedservices/aspx/Home

To find out more information about the 'In-tend' procurement system contact a member of the GO Shared Services Procurement Team at procurement@gosharedservices.org.uk or call 01242 775055.

Cllr Richard Leppington, cabinet member for development, asset management, infrastructure and housing said: "Registering on the 'In-tend' portal is really easy and because it provides streamlined communication it's a great way for businesses to keep informed of procurement activity from local authority partners."

Sam Holliday, FSB development manager for Gloucestershire and West of England (pictured) said: "I fully support the council's use of the 'In-tend' portal and encourage all small businesses to take up the opportunity to register.

"The FSB is hosting 'procurement for small businesses' event at Vantage Point in Mitcheldean on Tuesday, 17 October from 10am to 12 noon. This mid-morning seminar will host three speakers - two representing local authorities and one from the private sector, providing our members and visitors a chance to hear about local, county and regional procurement issues.

"William Clark, GO Shared Services business partner, will speak about procurement at the event and provide the chance to demo the 'In-tend' system. He will guide people through the simple application process and explain how to respond to e-alerts.

"The other speakers will be Ian Mawdsley, head of commercial at Gloucestershire County Council and Sam Evans from Hinkley Point C.

"There will also be and opportunity for all attendees to ask questions and time at the end to network and discuss procurement issues."

To register for the free event go to Eventbrite