Government Business

The government is committed to creating a business environment conducive to new opportunities, and is making moves towards a reduction in red tape that will enable more small and medium sized businesses to gain entry to the market. These moves will help to create a ‘better value’ climate where public sector buyers have more freedom and flexibility to choose the right solution to meet their needs.
    
The modern procurement process goes through many stages, and involves many people who must work together to obtain the best results. Partnerships, collaborative procurement and the sharing of best practice will all lead to better business decisions being made.
    
The Government Business Awards will take place at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on Thursday March 18th, and will recognise local authorities and central government departments that have demonstrated sound business judgement and operational expertise in a range of areas.
    
BBC News presenter, Nicholas Owen, will announce the winners of 15 awards in categories including procurement, building, facilities management, revenue generation, human resources, finance, market research and sustainability.

Awards List

Public Safety Award – sponsored by the Health & Safety Executive
Presented to a local authority project that has increased perceptions of safety and led to a reduction in crime through investment in security and through multi-agency efforts to reduce the crime threat in a specific area. Awarded to local authorities, police departments and other public sector bodies/partnerships.
    
Social Housing Award – sponsored by Cyntra
Awarded to a social housing project that has the potential to deliver a measurable change in both the standard of accommodation and the environmental performance of the buildings and associated land. Presented to local authorities, housing trusts and other private/public sector partnerships.

Workforce Training Award – sponsored by Skillsoft
Awarded to a local authority training scheme that demonstrates both high levels of staff satisfaction in the level of training provided and an improvement in staff performance as a result of its rollout. Projects can be submitted by third party training providers in partnership with a local government body.

Public Sector Security Award – sponsored by Commend UK
Awarded to a local authority or central government building/refurbishment project that considers security as a prime concern and enhances the safety of staff, residents and visitors to the building through the installation of CCTV, monitoring, access control or other innovative security system. Projects must be dated between January 2008 and January 2010.

Central Government Procurement Award
Awarded to a central government agency that is judged to have increased value to the taxpayer through smarter procurement practice. Entry is open to central government agencies. Details of specific cost saving projects should be included in the entry statement.

Local Government Procurement Award
Awarded to a local authority or regional procurement agency/hub that demonstrates better value to the taxpayer through an improved procurement process. Projects must be dated between Jan 2007 and December 2008.

Environmental Transport Award
Awarded to a local government agency that has implemented cost effective measures to help reduce the environmental impact of local authority transport services. Entry statements should include details of all measures undertaken, including route tracking, workplace travel planning, public transport investment, alternative fuels and promotion/publicity.

Environmental Innovation Award
Recognising a local authority scheme that demonstrates innovation in environmental practice and increases both recycling rates and the awareness of environmental issues to residents. Entry statements should include details of the scheme from its conception through to delivery.

Waste Management Award
Presented to a local authority that demonstrates an environmentally sound and cost effective waste management programme that reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill and provides a high level of service to residents. Projects must be dated between Jan 2008 and Jan 2010.

Sustainability Award
The sustainability award is presented to a local authority that demonstrates a holistic approach to achieving sustainable paths for all areas of council operation, and promotes sustainability and environmental initiatives to the population effectively. Projects must be dated between Jan 2008 and Jan 2010.

Regeneration Project Award
This award will recognise a local authority regeneration project that has been completed within budget and has improved the living and working conditions of residents and the local business community. Entry statements should include details of the co-ordination of building, project management, private sector partnerships and publicity initiatives.

Sport & Leisure Award
Awarded to a local authority project judged to have increased the uptake of sports and leisure participation in the area through the provision of first class facilities and innovative activities/promotional campaigns. Partnership projects between local/central government and the private sector are eligible.

Market Research Award
Presented to a local government market research strategy that has enabled the authority to better understand the needs of its citizens, through the use of ad-hoc surveys, regular consultations and new delivery methods/technologies. Awarded to local authorities and private sector organisations working on behalf of local government.

Public Sector Energy Award
Awarded to a public sector energy project that (whether through the procurement of a greener energy supply or the installation of energy efficient plant or equipment) demonstrates real carbon savings and projects a positive environmental image for the authority/department. Awarded to local authorities and central government agencies.

Financial Performance Award
Awarded to the local authority that best demonstrates fiscal prudence and sound financial performance in the 2008-09 period. This award takes many budgetary factors into account, including population, pension fund investments, council tax rates, employee contracts etc.

How to enter
Entry is open to local and central government departments, who are required to submit a 500-word entry statement. The closing date for entries is Friday 19th February. Should your organisation be short listed, you will be invited to the event, which features a champagne reception followed by a three-course lunch. For more information and to enter please go to www.gbawards.co.uk