OREANDA-NEWS. June 03, 2015. Government contracts account for over £2.5 billion of public expenditure in Northern Ireland every year and the seminars led by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on 5 June will help buyers and suppliers understand how competition law works for taxpayers and consumers.

John Kirkpatrick, CMA Senior Director Research, Intelligence and Advocacy, said:

Fair competition in public procurement benefits good businesses and secures value for money for taxpayers. By contrast bid-rigging, market sharing and other illegal cartel behaviour raises prices for taxpayers and distorts the market.

So it is important that buyers understand how to detect and prevent cartels, and that suppliers comply with the law. Sanctions for cartel behaviour can include substantial fines, disqualification from holding directorships and even prison sentences.

The CMA is keen to support everyone involved in public procurement processes to ensure that they work within the law and secure the benefits of competition.

The morning session will be attended by buyers who cover areas such as health services, transport and local government. Advice will include a checklist of preventative actions procurers can take including non-collusion clauses, requesting the disclosure of subcontractors and sharing intelligence with other public sector procurers.

The afternoon session will be for large businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from sectors including health, catering, construction and the voluntary/community sector.