How to get your share of £175 billion public sector contracts

10 June 2009

Business Link is offering plenty of help – including free workshops on successful bid writing and tendering throughout Hampshire and Isle of Wight in July.

FREE event: ‘How to win public sector contracts’ 4pm-8pm (including a buffet supper)

Monday 6 July - Southampton Novotel

Tuesday 7 July - Basingstoke Country Hotel, nr Hook

Tuesday 14 July - Lakeside, Isle of Wight

Wednesday 15 July - Portsmouth Marriott Hotel

To book your place call Business Link 0845 600 9 006

Deborah Wyatt, Business Link says, ‘There has never been a better time for SMEs to bid for these contracts, especially with political pressure for public services to reduce environmental impacts and promote social inclusion.’

She adds: ‘SMEs account for 99.7% of South East businesses and are major contributors to the economy. Bidding for these contracts is not only potentially beneficial for them but also improves competition and ensures the public sector gets value for money and a wider choice of providers. However, there are issues that need to be addressed.

‘SMEs want simpler, less time-consuming and jargon-free tender documents, together with longer deadlines for submission.’

Meanwhile, procurers stress that SMEs must ensure they fully understand what the contracting company requires and ask questions if necessary. They must also complete all parts of the bid – and be aware that the contract isn’t usually awarded on price alone; experience is equally important.

Business Link recommends that SMEs register on www.supply2.gov.uk which has over 3,000 new contracts added each month.

Business Link has also produced a 24 page Guide to ‘Winning New Business’ which has a substantial section on public sector contracting. For a free copy please call 0845 600 9 006 or go to www.businessquestionsanswered.co.uk/newbusiness.

For SMEs information and guidance on selling products and services to government, please visit: www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast/publicprocurement

In addition there is a South East Business Portal which is designed to allow the sharing of information about existing contracts (Contract Store) and forthcoming tendering opportunities across the 74 councils and 9 fire & rescue services of the South East region https://www.businessportal.southeastiep.gov.uk/