Each year, everything in Scotland's public sector is bought, which adds up to an overall spend of £14.5 billion per annum. Register a free account on the Supplier Development Programme (SDP) website to access free tender training and learn how to do business with the public sector.

The SDP offers many training opportunities, eLearning and events, as well as information, guidance, and customisable templates that your business can access for free. This includes step-by-step training on how to use the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) website, as well as the Public Contracts Scotland Tender (PCS-Tender) website.

This support can help your business write better bids and be better positioned to find, win and keep public sector contracts.

Benefits to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and supported businesses based in Scotland and registered with SDP include:

• access to any SDP event in any area of Scotland – all free
• free attendance at Meet the Buyer, Meet the Buyer North and local Meet the Real Buyer events that provide face-to-face access to buyers from public and private sector organisations
• full access to information, resources, toolkits and templates on the SDP website that are designed with you in mind
• option to include your company listing on SDP’s Supplier Register, which can be viewed by other Scottish-based SMEs and buyers
• regular e-bulletins
• access to a local business support network
• course content to suit your learning style – either delivered digitally via webinar or in a traditional classroom-style

Businesses of all sizes can register for free with SDP. However, there are specific benefits for micro, small and medium-sized businesses and supported businesses located in Scotland.

All SDP tender training is free to Scottish SMEs, supported businesses and third sector organisations. This includes training delivered through webinars or face-to-face, or accessed on demand through eLearning.

Scottish small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees and supported businesses.

You can learn at your own pace, in any order, by attending free tender training sessions online or face-to-face through SDP.

Please submit an enquiry and an adviser will be in touch to discuss your needs.