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Just one month in and Ross Barty is already hitting the ground running as our new Regional Business Manager. We caught up with him to have a chat and find out how it’s going and to learn a bit more about him and his role. Let's dive into his journey and explore what lies ahead for him and SPA!

What is your role and what will you be doing at SPA?

I’m the Regional Business Manager for SPA and my role is primarily focused on developing the Client Support function. This means I will be working with the existing team to promote our procurement solutions in addition to our added value services programme. As well as exploring wider public sector opportunities and building long term partnerships with organisations throughout Scotland to expand our reach and impact.

Tell us a bit about your background and how you got into this role?

I’ve worked in and around the construction sector since leaving school in 2005. My speciality is in Account Management & Business Development, and I’ve enjoyed travelling across Scotland over the years, building up a network of contacts in all corners of the country across a wide range of sectors.

I was successful at bid writing for public sector contracts in previous roles and that really sparked my interest in public sector procurement. Leading me to my previous role where I learned much more about frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems for the public sector. With this knowledge I was able to help many clients across a range of categories including reactive maintenance, voids and supply of trade materials.

What attracted you to join SPA?

I’ve always recognised SPA as a major player within the procurement field due to the innovative range of solutions that they offer their partners and the impact of their Community Benefit Fund. It’s very moving to work in an organisation that plays a part in the regeneration of communities creating better places and improving lives for residents. This combined with an excellent team already in place at Livingston really made the decision easy for me to join.

What are you passionate about and what do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’m a keen golfer and follow Dundee United in the football. However my biggest passion is coaching an under 12 girls football team. Witnessing their growth and enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding.

What are you most excited about in your role as Regional Business Manager?

The challenge of growth really excites me, although I am joining a successful and established business there are still so many opportunities across the various sectors we operate in.

In your opinion what is the importance of using a framework provider and how do you see this function/role developing in the coming years?

Procurement compliance and legislation changes can be difficult for our partners to keep up with so using a framework agreement and having access to both technical and procurement advice cannot be underestimated.

In areas such as retrofit and decarbonisation the landscape is rapidly evolving presenting unique challenges to navigate with no signs of this slowing down. Having the support of a procurement partner like SPA who has detailed foresight of current and future conditions obtained from the regions within LHC Procurement Group to develop comprehensive and fit for purpose solutions brings welcome peace of mind for partners.