Chairman of the Audit Commission Michael O’Higgins has been confirmed to speak at the national Government Opportunities (GO) magazine Excellence in Public Procurement Awards 2009, held in conjunction with National Public Procurement Practitioners Day (N3PD).

With a distinguished career in business as well as government, Mr O’Higgins will deliver his address to hundreds of delegates at the event on 4 June 2009. He continues the tradition of high-profile speakers addressing the national GO Awards, with those in previous years including former Minister for the Third Sector Phil Hope MP; Deputy Director-General of the CBI John Cridland; and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable MP.

Organised by market-leading procurement specialists BiP Solutions Ltd, the national GO Awards honour the role of procurement personnel and celebrate the part they play in delivering effective public services.

Bringing together representatives from central government, local authorities, utilities and community initiatives, as well as the private sector, the GO Awards recognise the efforts procurement professionals make to help deliver ever-improving public services. Benefits to the taxpayer through more efficient spending and innovative procurement methods can mean more nurses in hospitals, more police officers on the streets and even lower council tax bills.

The Awards are held in conjunction with N3PD, the most eagerly anticipated event in the public sector procurement calendar. Once again, N3PD has the support of many leading bodies across business and government, and the event is the perfect opportunity to hear from some of the key figures influencing public procurement and network with friends and colleagues.

Grahame Steed, Managing Editor of GO magazine, said he was delighted by the response to the GO Awards – now in their eighth year – and looked forward to honouring the achievements of those dedicated to delivering better-quality services and greater value for money for the taxpayer.

He added: “The national GO Awards event is now firmly established as one of the most important in public procurement, and we are delighted to confirm Michael O’Higgins as a speaker this year.

“With higher-than-ever levels of support, 2009’s event will be the biggest and best yet. Add to that speakers of the calibre of Mr O’Higgins and it’s easy to see why everyone is excited about the national GO Awards and N3PD.”

Further information on the N3PD can be found at www.n3pd.com