A pilot scheme to help small businesses access government contracts has been declared a success by the government.
The scheme, taking place in the West Midlands, proved a success by increasing the number of smaller businesses winning contracts to supply local and central government with their services.
A web portal for the government to advertise contacts helped make opportunities more available to small businesses. Between the introduction of the portal and the 30th June 2004, 26% of government contracts were won by small firms.
According to the government, the pilot provided small businesses with:
- Free training workshops on how to put a tender together and how to find opportunities
- A simplified tender document, tested by government departments in the West Midlands, to reduce the bureaucracy involved in the tender process.
- New supply chains by encouraging local contactors to get involved
Paul Boateng, chief secretary to the Treasury, said: "The West Midlands pilot was a great success in breaking down the barriers facing small businesses when they try to do business with government, and offering practical help and advice.
"This has led to small businesses winning more business. But this is not just a one-off project. The help will now be made available nationally, as part of Government's continued commitment to helping small businesses"
The Office of Government Commerce led the project, supported by the Small Business Service. It was launched in response to a Better Regulation Task Force and Small Business Council report that highlighted the barriers faced by small firms when trying to compete for government contracts.
