Opportunities for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
It is government policy to encourage SMEs. Although we are a large Department, we have many contracts suitable for smaller organisations and welcome quotations and tenders from SMEs.
Business Link is a support network that gives information and advice to SMEs. If you wish to be directed to your nearest Business Link, please contact 0845 600 9 006, or Business Link.
This website includes an on-line procurement course "Winning the Contract". This is a FREE resource to help businesses (and in particular SMEs) learn about public procurement and how to bid for public sector contracts. The course can be accessed via the Business Link webpage at: www.businesslink.gov.uk/procurement
The course introduces businesses to the key procurement processes, including:
- identifying the advantages and disadvantages of dealing with public bodies
- understanding how different types of contracts are defined, advertised and dealt with
- understanding approved supplier lists and framework agreements
- searching for and finding public sector opportunities
- identifying the key stages in the tendering process
It also has a useful Resource section, case studies, and a Hints and Tips download.