Skills Development Zone 01
Supply Chain &
Stakeholder Engagement
Wales' public procurement marketplace is worth over £11.4bn and touches every corner of public life. This zone explores how organisations can build more resilient supply chains, engage a broader range of suppliers, and create the collaborative relationships that drive real value across the Welsh public sector.
Zone Sessions & Topics
Supply Chain Risk & Resilience
Explore practical frameworks for identifying and managing supply chain vulnerabilities. Learn how Welsh public sector organisations are building greater resilience into their procurement strategies and what this means for suppliers at every tier.
SME & Third Sector Engagement
Hear directly from SMEs and third sector organisations about the barriers they face in accessing public contracts — and what buyers and commissioners can do to open up the market. Real case studies, practical tools, and actionable advice.
Supplier Diversity & Market Development
How can procurement strategies actively support a more diverse supplier base? This session examines supplier development programmes, pre-market engagement, and the role of Sell2Wales in connecting buyers with a wider range of suppliers.
Collaborative Procurement Models
Collaborative procurement can unlock significant savings and improvements in quality. Learn how joint purchasing, shared frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration are being used effectively across Welsh public sector organisations.
Stakeholder Communication & Co-design
Effective procurement doesn't begin at the point of tender. This session covers pre-market engagement, needs assessment, and co-design approaches that bring users, communities, and suppliers into the procurement process from the start.
Social Value Through the Supply Chain
Wales is leading the way on embedding social value into procurement. Discover how organisations are measuring, reporting, and maximising community impact through their supply chain decisions — and what suppliers need to demonstrate.
Who Should Attend This Zone
Built for
Procurement
Professionals
Session Formats
Presentations
Expert-led sessions from senior procurement leaders and policy makers
Workshops
Practical, participatory sessions developing real skills and addressing live challenges
Case Studies
Real-world examples from Welsh public sector organisations demonstrating impact
Panel Discussions
Open conversations bringing multiple perspectives together on key issues