CONTRACT BOOST FOR SMALLER UK FIRMS

A new three-month trial launched by BERR (the Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) is part of its Enterprise Strategy that includes a range of measures to increase the amount of government business won by small firms.

For companies registering for the first time, this pilot will offer free access to thousands of opportunities worth under £100,000 in the UK and Northern Ireland through its dedicated website, www.supply2.gov.uk.

More than 3,000 new contracts are available each month and the trial will provide access to ones throughout the country, not just nominated local areas. Business minister Shriti Vadera said: “Many smaller businesses are more innovative, have lower costs and present better value for taxpayers than larger firms.”

The initiative has been welcomed by the Federation of Small Businesses.

Rules for government procurement will also be changed to allow small firms to use invoice financing, aiding cash flow, when they tender.

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