Articles

Healthcare procurement has always been about delivering essential services, but in Belfast and across Northern Ireland it now carries a wider responsibility. Public bodies are increasingly focused on social value — the additional benefits suppliers can deliver for communities, the economy, and the environment. For businesses looking to win healthcare contracts, understanding and embracing social value is no longer optional; it is critical to success. Bill Atkinson of Black Sh

Public procurement is no longer judged on cost and quality alone. In Northern Ireland, government departments and public bodies are required to consider how contracts can generate wider benefits for society. This shift is formalised in the social value in procurement policy Northern Ireland, a framework that suppliers must understand if they want to remain competitive in tendering. Read more about it here! Bill Atkinson of Black Sheep Consulting specialises in helping busine

Social value is no longer a side note in public procurement. In Northern Ireland and across the UK, it is now a central element of tender evaluations, often accounting for a significant percentage of the overall score. Despite its importance, many businesses still struggle to articulate their social value commitments effectively in bids. The result? Lost opportunities, missed contracts, and reputations that fail to shine. Bill Atkinson of Black Sheep Consulting has worked wit

In recent years, social value has become a central part of public procurement in Northern Ireland. For many organisations, however, it is still misunderstood as a bureaucratic hurdle rather than a genuine opportunity. Far from being a simple “tick-box” requirement, social value has the power to transform communities, create stronger businesses, and build long-term impact. Bill Atkinson; owner and founder of Black Sheep Consulting works closely with businesses to help them unl

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In today’s world, success for charities and non-profit organisations is measured by more than just financial stability or the number of...

In today’s business world, success isn’t just measured by profits; it’s also about the impact an organisation has on its community and...

As businesses strive to create more sustainable and socially responsible models, the concept of  social value  has become an essential...

The Importance of Social Value and Why It Is Crucial for Charities In today's world, where accountability and transparency are more...