Tories tell govt to 'pull finger out' on SME procurement

Date: 28th October 2008

The Conservative Party has challenged the government to involve small businesses in the procurement process.

Shadow chancellor George Osborne threw down the gauntlet earlier today (October 28th), demanding that Labour contract more of its £125 billion procurement budget to business start-ups.

By making it easier for small firms to win public sector contracts, the shadow chancellor believes that they would benefit from increased revenues and be in a better position to ensure job security.

Mr Osborne said: "Small businesses are facing a very difficult time and jobs are at risk.

"If Labour are serious about making a difference, they'd pull their finger out and get on with adopting these proposals."

Among Mr Osborne's plans were the introduction of a target for 25 per cent of government contracts to go to smaller enterprises and abolishment of the rule that firms must provide three years of audited accounts when bidding.

Also this week, small business start-ups have until Friday (October 31st) to file a paper self-assessment tax return with HM Revenue and Customs.