Public Sector Procurement-Innovative new solutions to meet the fiscal challenge ahead:

"As we move into 2011-2012 Government faces the biggest financial challenge for over fifty years. Costs must be reduced but services have to be maintained. What can procurement do to help maintain front line services and meet the financial targets set, and what can the private sector to do assist with this initiative?"

Cordoba is hosting another in its series of Directors dinners. On this occasion we are delighted to be co-hosting the event with The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), at the House of Commons.

The guest speakers will be The Right Honourable Greg Clarke, Minister of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government, and David Noble, Chief Executive Officer CIPS.

From our own research, many local authorities are still working with a procurement model that relies heavily on local procurement by individual departments, with some guidance from a small central team. Given the fiscal challenges ahead, we will be posing several questions around both the existing model and approach, as well as mapping out some exciting alternatives that have produced both immediate and ongoing savings. We will also be concentrating on the people side of procurement-the need for effective leadership and championing of the process.

The evening will be held in a private dining room at The House of Commons London SW1. Pre dinner drinks will be served between 6.30 and 7.00pm during which our speakers will make their presentations. This will be followed by dinner when we can share ideas and develop the discussion. We are inviting 25-30 CEO's, Finance Directors, Commercial Officers and Heads of Departments to comprise the guest list for the evening.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Peter McDonnell, 0844 879 4326, petermcdonnell@cordobagroup.co.uk