Government launches SME portal

After 18-months of waiting channel will have direct access to smaller public sector contracts

The government has today launched its online business portal which is geared towards helping smaller VARs secure public sector contracts.

As first revealed by CRN more than 18-months ago (CRN, 17 January 2005), the portal, known as supply2.gov.uk will advertise lower-value public sector contracts, typically under £100,000 in value, from both central and local government. It will allow UK public sector organisations to publicise their lower-value contracts free of charge.

Department of Trade and Industry Minister Jim Fitzpatrick, MP said at the opening: “"This new portal is a major step forward in the government's commitment to support small business. It ensures that, for the first time, small businesses can access thousands of government contracts in one place. It also enables businesses to register their details to ensure their expertise is seen by hundreds of public sector procurers."

VAR BiP Solutions was appointed to build, maintain and develop the site.
Ron Burges, chief executive of BiP Solutions said: "It is fantastic to be involved in such an important development, which will help businesses source lower-value public sector contracts. We are delighted to be part of the team delivering this solution which will encourage more suppliers to consider doing business with the public sector."

Teresa Graham, member of the Small Business Council (SBC) and the Better Regulation Commission (BRC), said: "This is a wonderful step forward in the Government's agenda to remove the barriers faced by small businesses when trying to find out about opportunities to work with Government.

"It will provide businesses with a shop window to the lower-value contract market place. Online guidance will also help them to compete for the work. The BRC (formerly the Better Regulation Taskforce) and the SBC wish to congratulate the team effort that went into the creation of Supply2.gov.uk and wishes it every possible success".