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How to do Business with The Guinness Partnership

Procurement solutions that provide 'Value for Money' are an essential element of enabling us to deliver better services to our customers.

The Guinness Partnership is committed to a fair and equitable procurement procedure in line with current European Union Procurement legislation.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), provide a valuable contribution to the needs of our customers through innovation, responsiveness and quality in the provision of goods, services and works.

The Guinness Partnership believes that SMEs should be encouraged to play a greater role in our procurement processes.

The Guinness Partnership is always looking for new and innovative suppliers. Whatever the business of an SME, there are likely to be markets within our sector in which it can compete by contracting directly or as a subcontractor.

This guide provides information on accessing and competing for business opportunities for SMEs who are seeking to widen their customer base to include The Guinness Partnership.


The European Commission's definition of what a small or medium sized business is based on a combination of the following criteria:

  • number of salaried workers,
  • Medium sized if it has between 50 and 250 employees
  • Small if the workforce is less than 50.
  • turnover
  • balance sheet
  • independence

A diverse group of businesses fall into this category; ranging from sole traders to established firms. This also includes start ups, partnerships, ethnic minority-led businesses and social enterprises.

For ease of reference, in this guide that group is referred to as SMEs (Small and Medium sized Enterprises).

If you work in a small or medium sized business, this Guide aims to help you in three ways:-

  • Firstly it will tell you about where to find opportunities from The Guinness Partnership.
  • Secondly it will explain how you can bid for work.
  • Thirdly, it will advise you of the further contacts you may need to make

Here are some guidance documents which may support you in preparing to bid for work:

HSE Five Steps to Risk Assessment
HSE Health And Safety Policy Example
HSE Risk Assessment and Policy Template
Sample Method Statement
Stating Your Business