Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging West Midland companies to find out how they can access a global market of approximately £30 billion supplying the International Aid and Development effort worldwide.

Each year the private sector plays a vital role in supplying the necessary goods and services to organisations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, Regional Development Banks and the European Union, which help following natural disasters, warfare and famine.

Billions of pounds is distributed in the form of loans, grants and projects designed by the donors and governments of developing countries.
BCI, in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment, is organising a September 4 event at Villa Park to raise awareness of the opportunities and to offer guidance on how companies can bid for projects or tenders.

Commercial officers from British Embassies and High Commissions will be giving presentations on the procurement requirements of the organisations based in their respective cities, and there will be the chance to hear case studies from companies already conducting business with international aid and donor agencies.

The UN market is especially attractive to SMEs with average contracts ranging from £12,500 to £50,000 for items that will assist in emergency and peace-keeping situations such as healthcare supplies, water tanks and filtration equipment, vehicles, IT and communications, temporary shelters and security equipment.

The other donors tend to procure a vast amount of consultancy services in such areas as good governance, financial services, environment energy and education and training.

Claire Gamage, project manager from the UKTI Aid-Funded Business Service, said: “This event will provide companies, both large and small, with the relevant information on how to take the first steps into bidding for business with these organisations.

“And there are afternoon one-to-one sessions available with the commercial officers. It’s a ‘must’ for West Midland companies, opening new and fruitful markets across a whole spectrum of goods and services.”