Access to public sector contracts 'made easier'

Date: 25th January 2010

A number of small businesses in the UK could be among those to benefit from a new procurement course which has been launched by the government.

A new online course, aimed at helping smaller firms identify business opportunities in the public sector, was launched by small business minister Lord Davies and the chief secretary to the treasury Liam Byrne earlier today (January 25th).

Entitled Winning the Contract, the free service, which is open to all companies regardless of size and sector, is intended to provide details of the bidding process and highlight opportunities within the public sector.

According to the government, £220 billion worth of public sector contracts are awarded each year.

Mr Byrne said: "Small and medium-sized businesses are the engine-room of our economy.

"We want them to harness the spending power of government to grow their businesses and create jobs. This new free course will help those businesses to compete effectively for government contracts, locking in the recovery and strengthening businesses throughout the country."