User:Sdavidson79/Draft article on bip

Introduction
BiP Solutions Ltd is a supply chain management services provider based in Glasgow, Scotland. The company provides various business-to-business and business-to-government solutions related to public procurement.

History
The company was established in 1984 by brothers Ron and Les Burges as Business Information Publications (BiP) in Glasgow, Scotland.

The company produced the UK’s first comprehensive journal of public sector contracts – Contrax Weekly.

In 1992 BiP held its first seminar on the impact of EU legislation on public sector contracts. This was the company’s first move into public procurement training and events.

In 1993 and 1997 respectively, BiP was first licensed by the UK Ministry Of Defence (MOD) to publish MOD Works Services Opportunities and MOD Defence Contracts which were amalgamated in 2002 to form MOD Defence Contracts Bulletin (MOD DCB). The company launched its first electronic tendering service, PrOJECt, in 1998 and the rest of the decade saw BiP develop tender opportunities services further with the launch of Tracker – now its flagship business intelligence service – and Defence Contracts International (DCI) service.

BiP’s PASS (Procurement Advice and Support Service) was launched in 2003 and continues to be a successful arm of the business.

In 2004 the company changed its name to BiP Solutions to reflect its growth into new business areas.

Continued growth through the 00s also saw the company establish the GO (Government Opportunities) Excellence in Public Procurement Awards, the launch of the CompeteFor.com portal, Supply National SME Engagement Programme online tendering portal and Delta eSourcing.

BiP Solutions was recognised as the AXA Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year 2007 at the National Business Awards for Scotland.

The launch of Procurex in 2008 was the start of a new series of events now held regionally throughout the country.

In 2009 the company moved its headquarters to the purpose built Medius in Pacific Quay, Glasgow’s digital media quarter.

The company’s relationship with the MOD continues with the most recent development of the online portal for MOD Contracts – Defence Contracts Online in 2011.

Operations
In May 2012 BiP Solutions underwent a significant internal restructuring to strengthen its business position in the procurement industry.

Subscription Products
Subscription products provide contract opportunities, market intelligence, spend analysis and researched procurement news. Products include the Tracker suite, DCI Contracts, Contrax and Supply.

Training and Consultancy
Training and development services are tailored to help private businesses and the public sector with all aspects of procurement and tendering. Services include seminars, in-house training and procurement consultancy.

Events and Exhibitions
Procurement-related events including conferences, exhibitions and awards ceremonies, such as Procurex, the National GO Awards and GO Awards Scotland.

Global Services
Supply chain solutions for public sector organisations to improve their procurement process. Products include Delta eSourcing and Select Accredit.

Global Services are also responsible for the business development of BiP Solutions, creating and developing new revenue streams, and for international procurement consultancy services.