15 June 2007

Dear Colleagues,

As a public company we are constantly striving to ensure that all our operations, practices and procedures offer value for money and that we are publicly accountable to all stakeholders including: passengers, staff, government, local councils and other interested parties and individuals.

It is fitting therefore, that Translink has been accredited as a Centre of Procurement Expertise (CoPE), awarded by the Government’s Central Procurement Directorate. This is a significant endorsement to receive and one which we will work especially hard to retain.

Our enhanced procurement systems and procedures have successfully been implemented across a number of large procurement projects in recent years. These include the management of a £50m project to deliver 350 new buses by the end of 2006 and similarly an £80m project for new trains, both were delivered on time and within budget.

As a company we had to meet challenging standards to attain this accolade including the provision of enhanced project management procedures which were met through the establishment of project boards, regular reporting and risk reviews. Key skills and resources were also required, which we proved through our ongoing staff development training programme and the appointment of dedicated resources to develop and implement procurement best practice in line with the latest Government legislation.

This award is a real example of our commitment to improved performance and quality of service, in ensuring that public money is used to deliver real results for our passengers throughout Northern Ireland.

Congratulations to all across the company who played a part in achieving this accreditation, it again highlights our commitment to accountability and ensuring value for money. I am particularly pleased that our efforts in this important area have been recognised.

Philip O'Neill

Acting Chief Executive

...it again highlights our commitment to accountability and ensuring value for money.