TRADEPOINT provides a one-stop shopping service for public authorities for the purchase of goods and services from SME suppliers which does not require a published call for tenders.
TRADEPOINT provides multimedia product catalogues, accessible to purchasers and suppliers using the World Wide Web, and it provides all the necessary functionalities for on-line ordering, invoicing and electronic payment. In addition it has established, wherever possible, links to SMEs' stock control and logistics systems to provide the most accurate up-to-date product information for the potential buyer.
The demand from public bodies for supplies and services is growing, as is the requirement for them to save money, not only by getting better value for money from the purchases themselves but also by cutting down on the administrative costs of the procuring process. TRADEPOINT addresses these issues, and not only reduces the purchasing overheads but also provides a wider market, thereby promoting competition leading to better value for money products and services.