Free events launched to help St Helens businesses win new contracts
Businesses in St Helens are invited to attend two free events to find out more about winning public sector contracts. The events will offer practical tips, contract opportunities and valuable networking with businesses and providers.
Article date: 23 January 2026
On Thursday 29 January, STAR Procurement are hosting a Meet the Buyer event at Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot. The event, designed for small and medium sized businesses, will include masterclasses, information on upcoming contract opportunities and introductions to key contacts. St Helens Borough Council's regeneration and policy teams will be in attendance on the day.
Free tickets are available here
On Thursday 12 February, STAR Procurement will join St Helens Business Launchpad to host the St Helens Procurement for Business Growth masterclass at St Helens Town Hall. Designed specifically for businesses in St Helens Borough, the three-hour workshop will give practical advice on how to access procurement opportunities, improve bid writing skills and demonstrate social value.
Register your interest in the fully funded masterclass here
Councillor Kate Groucutt, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business & Inclusive Growth at St Helens Borough Council said; "St Helens Borough is going through a once in a generation period of regeneration and, as outlined in our Inclusive Growth Strategy, we are committed to supporting businesses in the borough to access new opportunities linked to our major investments. Events such as these are about equipping local businesses and suppliers with the tools they need to access opportunities and demystify the procurement process. I would urge all businesses in our borough to take advantage of this fully funded support."
Ian Dunkerley, Delivery Manager, St Helens Business Launchpad said; "The St Helens Business Launchpad is designed to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit across the Borough. Many businesses are missing out on opportunities because the procurement process feels too complex and we are here to offer practical advice and build confidence in local businesses who are looking to win contracts."
Michael Crook, Head of Strategic Procurement, STAR Procurement said;"STAR is a public sector shared services vehicle, working for 6 councils. We are an internal department to the councils and provide strategic procurement advice and services for St Helens, Knowsley, Stockport, Trafford, Tameside and Rochdale Councils. Our procurement service ensures value for money, but we also have cross cutting corporate priorities to ensure that spend is local, and that the supply chain is diverse and inclusive. We are committed to helping small local suppliers to access opportunities and events such as these, help local businesses to understand the tendering process and put themselves in the best possible position to win new contracts."
The STAR Procurement Meet the Buyer event and St Helens Procurement for Business Growth masterclass are free to attend and open to all businesses in St Helens Borough.