TRANSPORT businesses of all sizes in Bromsgrove and Droitwich, are being encouraged to sign up to an e-tendering system with Worcestershire County Council in order to bid for contracts.

Once registered, businesses from bus, coach, and minibus operators, to Hackney Carriage or private hire vehicles, will be able to bid for contracts throughout the year or quote for ad-hoc work.

Cllr John Smith OBE, county council cabinet member for highways, said: "We're always keen and looking at ways to involve local businesses, including those from Bromsgrove and Droitwich, to help deliver our services. By joining the passenger transport operators organisations, no matter how large or small, can bid for contracts to help expand their operations.

"I'd certainly encourage any bus, coach, mini-bus, Hackney Carriage or private hire taxi operators out there to find out what opportunities exist and register so they are able to tender in the future."

Tendering for work can be done either by email or by bidding online through the system’s eAuction facility. Anyone interested has until Friday, March 21 to register and submit their application to join the system by visiting worcestershire.gov.uk/etendering.

The process is simple but anyone with questions, or in need of support, should write to transporttendering@worcestershire.gov.uk or call 01905 728896.

The system was introduced by the county council in 2007 and since then it has awarded 900 of the council’s transport contracts.