This is an NECC mini-series of 4 workshops on the subject of 'social value', kindly sponsored and supported by Esh Group.

With UK Procurement Law changing in 2025, this is anticipated to have several benefits (including opening up public procurement to new entrants such as small businesses and social enterprises so that they can compete for and win more public contracts) now is the perfect time to review and refresh your social value strategy.

The concept of social value refers to creating additional social, economic, and environmental benefits for the residents and communities through procurement. In simple terms, social value is added benefit to local people, outside of the delivery of the product or service being bought.

By engaging and enriching our supply chains locally, we can seek to address some of the inequalities which currently exist within the North East’s economy. We can then start talking about inclusive growth, as part of an inclusive economy.

Workshop 3

09:30 - Registration and networking

09:45 - Welcome, Agenda & Context (NECC)

10:00 - Social value; a buyers’ perspective & priorities

• Esh Group
• Gateshead Council
• Ryder Architecture

11:05 – Break

11:25 – Audience discussion, including short panel discussion

12:15 – Conclusions and looking ahead to workshop 4

12:30 - Close

Note: Parking information for the Council can be found - Civic Centre (NE8 1HH) - Gateshead Council - additional parking can be found at Trinity Centre (a 10mins walk from the Council building)

WHAT'S THE FORMAT? WHY SHOULD I ATTEND?

These events are unique and will be interactive as well as informative, designed to support and guide members in making a positive change.

This session will be interactive in its nature, with each session featuring discussions and outputs to support your business. We will cover:

1. Procurement law changes & how that affects your business.

2. The fundamentals of social value.

3. The history – and the future - of social value.

4. Who you can develop partnerships with to develop a social value proposition.

WHO WILL I MEET?

The event series is open to all NECC members who have an interest in not only procurement / purchasing, but also have an interest in CSR and ESG, and making a postive change for the North East. This series is open to all Chamber members.

Dress code: We don’t stipulate a dress code at our events, but we’d recommend you dress like you’re going to meet new clients. The most important thing is that you're comfortable.

Behaviour & Conduct: Our events create an inclusive space for individuals and organisations to meet where we expect all our attendees to behave with courtesy and respect, to both each other and Chamber colleagues.