This year’s conference Widening the Horizon will address the key issues raised by the expanding responsibilities facing SOPO members as they go about their daily tasks. In keeping with the spirit of widening our horizons, for the first time we have taken the conference out of London, to Solihull, which within its curtilage includes Meriden – the exact centre of England. We hope you enjoy the change.

The conference will highlight some of the best practice that is taking place within procurement, much of it being created by our own members who are driving change through innovative ideas in conjunction with many of our suppliers. One of the best things about SOPO is the willingness of members to share ideas and best practice, and the annual conference is a fantastic opportunity to talk to some of the drivers behind cutting-edge procurement practice.

We will also have leading national figures such as Simon Sperryn, CIPS CEO, and Joyce Redfearn, Chair of the Chief Executives’ Task Force and CEO of Wigan MBC, to give us the benefit of their knowledge and help point delegates in the right direction as we and our suppliers face another year of great expectancy in terms of our joint contribution to the ongoing efficiency agenda and the wider aspects of local government and public sector reform.

The conference will also address other areas of current importance such as cartels and the growing role of the third sector in commissioning and service provision.