Scotland's Economy

Purchase to Pay

January 24, 2013 by admin No Comments | Category Economy, Event

[A seminar for the public sector with the aim of sharing  experiences of good practice with regard to the Purchase To Pay process took place in Edinburgh today. Attendees included representatives from: Cosla; FSB Scotland; local authorities; NHS boards; NDPBs; agencies.]

In these challenging economic conditions, it’s vital that the public sector maximises every possible opportunity to support our business community.

The Scottish Government and our agencies are focused on maintaining Scotland’s position as the most competitive business environment in the UK, and this includes action to strengthen procurement capability and the prompt payment of invoices across the public sector.

Reducing the risk of cash-flow problems throughout the supply chain is important and that is why we have pledged to pay all invoices within 10 working days and public sector partners have pledged a 30 day target.

We recognise the challenging conditions our business community face, which is why this seminar brings together business organisations and representatives from across the public sector to showcase and encouraging best practice, and improve payment performance.

Fergus Ewing addresses Purchase to Pay seminar

The aim of the seminar is ultimately to reduce unnecessary burdens on business, particularly on small businesses, and to align processes with the needs of suppliers by identifying challenges at either end of the supply chain.

Our efforts to procure effectively and to pay invoices promptly are important – but we must actively ensure that the measures we take are aligned to the suppliers’ needs.

It is in everyone’s interest to help suppliers reduce tendering costs, administrative overheads and business risk. Cash flow problems can put at risk otherwise viable companies and today’s seminar has shown how the public sector can continue to support and improve prompt payment of invoices, thus setting a positive example for the private sector to follow.

Comments