SDP connects Scottish construction suppliers and buyers

For other organisations, the challenge lies in submitting quality bids quickly enough to compete with larger rivals. Here, the Supplier Development Programme manager Gillian Cameron explains how SDP can help construction suppliers get tender ready.

How SDP Helps SMEs

The Supplier Development Programme (SDP) helps SMEs tackle their procurement challenges through its free tender training and Meet the Buyer networking events.

SDP’s events and training upskill SMEs to improve their bid submissions and help them win a share of Scotland’s £17.5 billion annual public-sector spend.

SDP at the Scottish Construction Summit

Suppliers who would like to find out more about SDP’s support, can visit the team’s stand at the Scottish Construction Summit 2026, which SDP will sponsor, on 22 October, at the SEC, Glasgow.

Gillian said: “The Summit will bring together SMEs, contractors, buyers and influencers and we see it as an ideal platform for SDP to deliver targeted support and connect with them.

“We’re aiming to help construction businesses strengthen their capability, connect with decision makers, and gain a greater share of public sector work.”

SDP Support for Construction Businesses

Construction accounts for around 20 per cent of Scottish public sector spend and the subsequent opportunities for its workers are numerous.  
Gillian explained that construction is also an important industry focus of SDP, with almost ten per cent of SDP’s SME members working within the sector.

SDP connects construction suppliers with local authorities and its Corporate Partners in the construction sector, including Balfour Beatty, R J McLeod and hub East Central Scotland, to discuss upcoming projects.

Gillian added: “We bring them together by webinar or face-to-face events, giving more visibility to upcoming supply chain opportunities. 

“Often small building firms struggle to know where to begin; they might not be geared up to deliver a large council contract – but they could fit into the supply chain.”

How to Work with SDP

Gillian added that SDP prepares SMEs to bid by offering advice (through webinars, events and eLearning) on using PCS and PCS-T, tender writing, contract management and Community Wealth Building.

She said: “We have courses on how to structure a bid that cover everything from start to finish, including advice on contract management, because after you win work, you don’t want to lose it.”

SDP also offers more niche training, through webinars such as its Responding to Tender Policy Requirements.

Gillian explained: “If suppliers want to find out what policy questions they might be asked in a tender, then SDP can help! They can join this SDP webinar and learn things such as the Scottish Government’s requirements regarding climate change or Fair Work First.”

These Core Training courses, she added, are free for Scottish SMEs or Third Sector Organisations (TSOs) with registered premises in Scotland.

SDP Meet the Buyer National

While SDP’s Core Training is free to its Scottish SMEs and TSO members, SDP’s Bespoke Training webinars and Meet the Buyer events are free to all suppliers.

Gillian said: “Everyone is welcome to attend SDP’s Meet the Buyer National 2026, coming to the DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow Central on 2 June! Stop by our Construction Zone, to talk contract opportunities!”

To keep track of SDP events and training, suppliers must register at sdpscotland.co.uk