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SMEs to access public sector ‘contracts pot’

Feb 01 2010

A campaign has been launched to help smaller firms access the £220 billion worth of public sector contracts each year.

The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills are to roll out workshops across the country to train SMEs on how to bid for public sector contracts.  

Nigel Smith, chief executive of the OGC, says: ‘Spending taxpayers’ money on goods and services should be as effective and efficient as possible. That can’t happen if we don’t ensure small firms are given every opportunity to contribute.’  

Debasish Sen, committee member at the Federation of Small Businesses, says: ‘[We] welcome moves to reduce the barriers and burdens small businesses face when bidding for government contracts. Small firms offer great value to our communities and by using their services money is kept within the local economy.’

For more information visit Small Supplier, Big Opportunity: Flagging your contracts to SMEs.

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