Welcome to the Supplier Development Programme
If you’re a Scottish SME or third sector organisation interested in working with the public sector, we can help. We offer expert training, support and information to help you win work and grow your business. And best of all – it’s completely free.
Latest news
The Construction Sessions - Sustainability In Construction - 29 September 2026
6 Aug: Scottish Government –Procurement and Property Directorate are hosting a webinar on Sustainability In Construction.
Building Stronger Supply Chains in the North of Scotland
6 Aug: Are looking to strengthen your presence in the North of Scotland, identify new suppliers or demonstrate your commitment to social value? Find out how Meet the Buyer North 2026 can help you reach these goals.
Help Zero Waste Scotland Combat Household Food Waste
6 Aug: SDP is asking its Local Authority Partners to join Zero Waste Scotland for an idea generation workshop, to tackle Scotland’s food waste at the Cosla Conference Centre.
Tender opportunities
- • Appointment for Landscape Architect for Development of Exemplar Estates Guide
- • Peatland Restoration - Inverbroom
- • Lewis and Harris School and Public Bus Service 2026-31 Reissue
- • Pre-market engagement for upcoming Consultancy Services (CS2) Framework Agreement
- • Provision of a Health & Safety Management Software Solution
- • Loreburn Housing Association Stock Condition Surveys
- • Supply, Delivery and Installation of Rapid Thermal Anneal
- • Provision of Flagpole Inspection, Surveys, Removal and Repair Services for HES Estate
- • Supply and Delivery of High Resolution Broadband Optical Spectrum Analyser
- • Support for Communities Framework 2026-2030
- • Appointment for Landscape Architect for Development of Exemplar Estates Guide
- • Peatland Restoration - Inverbroom
- • Lewis and Harris School and Public Bus Service 2026-31 Reissue
- • Pre-market engagement for upcoming Consultancy Services (CS2) Framework Agreement
- • Provision of a Health & Safety Management Software Solution
- • Loreburn Housing Association Stock Condition Surveys
- • Supply, Delivery and Installation of Rapid Thermal Anneal
- • Provision of Flagpole Inspection, Surveys, Removal and Repair Services for HES Estate
- • Supply and Delivery of High Resolution Broadband Optical Spectrum Analyser
- • Support for Communities Framework 2026-2030
Featured events
2.1 Passing the Selection Stage – The Single Procurement Document (SPD)
Wednesday 12 August 2026, 2.00-3:30pm
Webinar
During this webinar we take an in-depth look at the Single Procurement Document (SPD), which was formerly known as the ESPD and PQQ. Attend this course to gain tips and hints that will help you ace this first step and move forward in the bidding process.
Aligned Tender Training: SLC Carer Support Services for Adult and Young Carers
Thursday 13 August 2026, 2.00-3:30pm
Webinar
South Lanarkshire Council is seeking to work in partnership with experienced third sector organisations to deliver cost‑effective, outcome‑based Adult Carer and Young Carer Support Services, in line with the priorities set out in the Carers Strategy 2023–2026.
2.2 How to Write Outstanding Tenders - The Invitation to Tender (ITT) Stage
Thursday 20 August 2026, 10.00-11:30am
Webinar
Bidding is all about getting the right words on the page and getting a compliant bid submitted on time. This webinar will demonstrate how to use PCS and PCS-T and will also look at how to construct excellent responses to buyers' questions.
Inverclyde Meet the Buyer
Tuesday 25 August 2026, 9.30am-12:30pm
SDP Event
Inverclyde Council, in partnership with Supplier Development Programme, invite local businesses and third sector organisations to a Meet the Buyer event, on Tuesday 25 August 2026, at the Beacon Arts Centre.
2.3 Understanding and Bidding - Frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS)
Tuesday 25 August 2026, 10.30am-12:00pm
Webinar
New Frameworks are an integral part of public procurement and can be a lucrative source of business, but it’s essential to understand the Agreement. This workshop explains the types of frameworks available and what you can expect from them.
Talking Tenders with Government Commercial Agency
Thursday 27 August 2026, 2.00-3:30pm
Webinar • Buyer Event
As councils race to meet strict national road safety targets, modernising enforcement infrastructure is no longer optional—it is critical. To hear directly from colleagues within GCA, please join this webinar as we discuss the Transport Technology Agreement, which provides Scottish councils with a fast, fully compliant route to procure cutting-edge traffic management, parking, and compliance technologies.
Meet the Buyer North 2026
Thursday 3 September 2026, 10.00am-3:00pm
Aberdeen • SDP Event
Now in its 9th year, the Supplier Development Programme is set to host Meet the Buyer North 2026 at The Music Hall, in Aberdeen, on 3 September 2026.
Useful resources
Getting started
Read our helpful jargon buster and other documents
Case studies
How SMEs in Scotland have won public sector work with the support of SDP
If things go wrong
Help for suppliers who are having issues or concerns with a Scottish procurement exercise
Sample policy documents
Download free, customisable workplace policy templates for your business
