As announced in yesterday's Pre Budget Report, the DTI's 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.
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.
The survey figures do not include procurement from the Ministry of Defence, National Health Service Purchasing and Supply Agency as the amount spent by these departments is accounted for separately from that for central civil government. The results of the survey are based on returns from departments.
Quelle: Publictechnology, 06.12.2005
