MORE SME'S WIN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
(5 December 2005)

A DTI survey of central civil government departments and agencies has shown that of the £4.7billion covered by the survey, over £1 billion was awarded to small businesses, representing 22% of the value of contracts up from 18% last year. Commenting on these figures, Small Business Minister, Barry Gardiner MP, said: "It is encouraging that the value share of central government contracts awarded to small businesses has increased to 22%. But the public sector must do more to ensure that it is making the best possible use of the innovation and dynamism that the small business sector can bring."

To raise awareness amongst public sector procurers of the value for money, innovative solutions and better quality of services that small firms can provide, the DTI's Small Business Service and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) have today published a new edition of the Smaller Supplier - Better Value guide.

John Oughton, Chief Executive of the Office of Government Commerce said: "I am confident that the programme to assist SMEs in bidding for government contracts is delivering. OGC's regional training seminars for procurers have been well received, standardised prequalification documentation is being used and work with major suppliers to open up their supply chains is progressing well."

In the New Year DTI and OGC will see the launch of the national opportunities portal which will lower a major barrier for SMEs in finding smaller contract opportunities.