UK technology trade body Intellect has pressed the chancellor to elaborate on his plans to ensure that 30 per cent of public sector contracts are awarded to small enterprises within five years (CRN, 17 March).

Intellect, which represents more than 800 technology companies, also called for fair representation on the newly announced advisory committee on SME access.

“Brown’s Business Advisory Council, created last year, contained just one technology company, when our sector represents at least 10 per cent of GDP,” it stated.

Pierre Lams, founder of VAR Handheld PCs, said: “Everybody will want to see these promises put into action and understand the mechanisms that can be used to take advantage of the initiative.”