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There are now more than 7,000 Government contracts advertised on a new business portal which removes the barriers faced by many small businesses to access public sector contracts.
More than 10,000 suppliers have also registered on the Supply2.gov.uk site, the first Government-supported service of its kind in the UK to give businesses the opportunity to access lower-value public sector contracts, typically under £100,000 in value, from central and local Government.
The supply2.gov.uk portal allows UK public sector organisations to publicise their lower-value contracts free of charge. And, for the first time, businesses will be able to view such contracts in a single place, reducing the time taken to source opportunities. Contract information in a business’ chosen location will be available free of charge.
The Federation of Small Businesses welcomed the portal but warned that because it is not compulsory for local authorities and government departments to advertise contracts on the site, there must be a sustained effort to publicise the initiative and get businesses and those in charge of public procurement to take part.
Clive Davenport, FSB trade and industry chairman, said: “The new portal is good news for small businesses that have been left out in the cold when it comes to getting work from public sector bodies.
“It should make it easier and quicker for small businesses to get contracts, but it will only work if government departments and local authorities get behind it wholeheartedly.
“With preparations for the Olympics gathering pace, there will be valuable opportunities for small businesses across the UK to contribute and we will be urging our members to take advantage of the new service.”
Visit www.supply2.gov.uk
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