Small firms gain ‘free access’ to Government contracts

Small businesses throughout the UK have been granted free access to Government contracts worth up to £100,000.

Previously, firms were charged a fee for browsing the thousands of public sector procurement opportunities advertised on the Government’s website www.supply2.gov.uk.

However, last week Business Minister Shriti Vadera announced that the £180 annual subscription charge will be abolished to help enterprises expand.

‘Small businesses are facing significant pressure in this downturn and new contracts are essential for their return to growth,’ commented Vadera.

‘We want to support small businesses by making it easier to access the thousands of Government procurement opportunities that are directly relevant to them.’

Ministers described the move as an ‘interim step’ towards developing a single, free online web portal which will grant businesses access to all public sector contracts.