As most participants were attending for the first time, the meeting opened with a brief introduction to the URBACT Programme, the SPARK Transfer Network and the Municipality of Kavala's Good Practice on Strategic Public Procurement.
Building on the experience of the previous Making Spend Matter project, participants discussed how to establish a permanent communication channel between the Municipality and the local business community, creating a more structured and proactive approach to supplier engagement.
The discussion focused on the creation of thematic working groups representing different business sectors, with the objective of providing tailored information and training on public procurement procedures. Participants also explored opportunities to organise future workshops dedicated to procurement legislation, tender specifications, participation requirements and practical guidance for SMEs.
Special attention was given to the role of green public procurement and social value criteria as tools that can create additional opportunities for local enterprises while supporting more sustainable public spending.
Local businesses actively participated in the discussion, raising practical questions regarding access to procurement opportunities, tender procedures and administrative requirements. These exchanges confirmed the need for continuous dialogue and capacity-building activities.
The meeting concluded with the agreement to organise a broader training session involving businesses from different sectors, led by the Municipality's Procurement Department. In addition, ULG members will continue to receive regular project updates through newsletters during the summer, ensuring active engagement ahead of the next SPARK Transnational Meeting in Pamplona.
The SPARK network continues to strengthen local cooperation, supporting the transfer of innovative procurement practices and building stronger partnerships between public authorities and local businesses.