FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Digital TV Causes Confusion and Costs For Housing Authorities and Local Councils

August 15th, 2008

Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

Digital TV arrives as a viewing option in 2008 for many people across the UK. 

This has caused confusion to consumers, public sector employees, as well as building owners.  A recent Which Online survey showed that 40% of viewers had no understanding of the switch to digital TV in the UK and that only 7% knew what was happening in their area.  The public sector employee’s responsible for television services to tenants are similarly confused.  They are unsure of who should pay for the upgrading of systems and what costs should be passed on to users.  Non-profit organizations that represent minority groups like Help the Aged also are confused on how their fixed benefit members are to make the transition and pay for it.

Some councils and housing associations have already budgeted for the transition to digital, but more are waiting for the lead of the central government.  As a first step, in December 2006, Tessa Jowell, Culture Secretary, said that £600 million would be earmarked to help Britains poorest pensioners to make the switch to digital TV.

Clearly, the most cost effective way to address the issue of switchover to digital TV is to do full installations of a whole building or housing estate.  This then gives individuals the option to choose a provider when they are ready to absorb the request.

Buyers Guide Limited has been helping private companies get access to government contracts since 1996.  With over 5,000 company listings on www.buyersguide.co.uk of specific products and services targeting public sector work, Buyers Guide is an easy solution for helping government buyers find qualified suppliers.

Companies listed on Buyers Guide range from multinationals to sole traders, but all have the goal of working on public sector contracts.  These include working with schools, colleges, universities, local councils, ministry of defense, NHS, housing authorities, and government funded non-profit agencies.

The advantage that Buyers Guide offers is that the company “profile” on the www.buyersguide.co.uk website is written to specifically answer the pre-qualification questions from public sector buyers.  This usually includes information like; previous work with other government bodies, years in business, industry qualifications or certifications like ISO 9002, testimonials from clients, government awards like investors in people, confirmation of equal opportunity employer status and specific contact details.

The Buyers Guide “profile” system allows government procurement specialists to quickly find companies that have government experience, the pre-qualification standards and a willingness to work with the public sector in one place saving time, effort and ultimately money.

Contact:

Sean Kelly
Buyers Guide
0191 265 6388
0191 265 3388
sean.kelly@buyersguide.co.uk
www.buyersguide.co.uk

Company History

Buyers Guide, based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, was established in 1996 and is the leading online directory of UK companies that are targeting the £600 billion in public spending each year. To date, there are over 5,000 company listings in 1,200 categories on the www.buyersguide.co.uk website.