Gateshead Council introducing new e-procurement platform
This November, the council are switching to Open, a new e-procurement system, to optimise the way we do business.
Starting this week, we'll begin issuing tender opportunities on the new platform instead of NEPO. We'll gradually move activity to Open so that it hosts all our procurement opportunities by the end of March 2025.
To help suppliers and potential suppliers with this transition, we've outlined the key things for you to know below.
What is Open?
Open is the new e-procurement system for all 12 NEPO member authorities, including Gateshead Council. Developed with feedback from buyers and suppliers, the intuitive and user-friendly system streamlines the procurement process to help you bid for opportunities in an efficient and simplified way. Open will become the place to find and compete for all tendering opportunities for Gateshead Council and other councils across the North East.
NEPO and Sunderland Council have been using Open since June this year, and the system is now being rolled out by others, including ourselves.
What does this mean for me?
We will gradually move over to using Open for all tendering activity, with the first new opportunities being published this week.
Existing frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) will be recreated on Open, so if you are part of an existing framework or DPS you need to register on Open as soon as possible.
To access and bid for all our tendering opportunities going forwards, you will also need to create an account on Open.
All our tendering activity will be issued on Open by the end of March 2025 and we will no longer publish opportunities to NEPO.
How do I register on Open?
Registration is free and easy.
- Head to www.open-uk.org and complete the online registration form
- Click the 'Get started' button
- On the 'Who are you' tab, select 'Supplier'
- Select your company type
- Complete the form as directed
Top tips to get you started
- Look out for the temporary password to confirm your account - this is only valid for three days so if you have not logged in during this period, you will need to contact open.support@nepo.org to request a new temporary password
- Adding your Companies House number will populate fields and make it easier to register
- Once registered, select 'Codes & Categories' relevant to your area of business
- Add notifications@open-uk.org to your safe sender list to ensure you don't miss out on notifications of relevant opportunities
Where can I get help with Open?
The Open Hub is packed with resources and information to help you get the most out of the platform. It includes an FAQs section and how-to guides so you can familiarise yourself with the system at your own pace.
If you need technical support on the use of Open, you can request this from NEPO: https://www.open-uk.org/contact
The Procurement Act 2023 - a short guide for suppliers
We also want to make you aware of public procurement legislation coming into force on Monday 24 February 2025. It will mean some big changes for suppliers as well as public sector organisations, so we advise familiarising yourself with the incoming regulations as early as you can.
We are here to support businesses through these changes and if you have any questions on our move to Open or the Procurement Act 2023, please get in touch at Procurement@Gateshead.gov.uk.
This November, the council are switching to Open, a new e-procurement system, to optimise the way we do business.
Starting this week, we'll begin issuing tender opportunities on the new platform instead of NEPO. We'll gradually move activity to Open so that it hosts all our procurement opportunities by the end of March 2025.
To help suppliers and potential suppliers with this transition, we've outlined the key things for you to know below.
What is Open?
Open is the new e-procurement system for all 12 NEPO member authorities, including Gateshead Council. Developed with feedback from buyers and suppliers, the intuitive and user-friendly system streamlines the procurement process to help you bid for opportunities in an efficient and simplified way. Open will become the place to find and compete for all tendering opportunities for Gateshead Council and other councils across the North East.
NEPO and Sunderland Council have been using Open since June this year, and the system is now being rolled out by others, including ourselves.
What does this mean for me?
We will gradually move over to using Open for all tendering activity, with the first new opportunities being published this week.
Existing frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) will be recreated on Open, so if you are part of an existing framework or DPS you need to register on Open as soon as possible.
To access and bid for all our tendering opportunities going forwards, you will also need to create an account on Open.
All our tendering activity will be issued on Open by the end of March 2025 and we will no longer publish opportunities to NEPO.
How do I register on Open?
Registration is free and easy.
- Head to www.open-uk.org and complete the online registration form
- Click the 'Get started' button
- On the 'Who are you' tab, select 'Supplier'
- Select your company type
- Complete the form as directed
Top tips to get you started
- Look out for the temporary password to confirm your account - this is only valid for three days so if you have not logged in during this period, you will need to contact open.support@nepo.org to request a new temporary password
- Adding your Companies House number will populate fields and make it easier to register
- Once registered, select 'Codes & Categories' relevant to your area of business
- Add notifications@open-uk.org to your safe sender list to ensure you don't miss out on notifications of relevant opportunities
Where can I get help with Open?
The Open Hub is packed with resources and information to help you get the most out of the platform. It includes an FAQs section and how-to guides so you can familiarise yourself with the system at your own pace.
If you need technical support on the use of Open, you can request this from NEPO: https://www.open-uk.org/contact
The Procurement Act 2023 - a short guide for suppliers
We also want to make you aware of public procurement legislation coming into force on Monday 24 February 2025. It will mean some big changes for suppliers as well as public sector organisations, so we advise familiarising yourself with the incoming regulations as early as you can.
We are here to support businesses through these changes and if you have any questions on our move to Open or the Procurement Act 2023, please get in touch at Procurement@Gateshead.gov.uk.
