§ 11. Ms Julia DrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to ensure that small businesses are encouraged to bid for public sector contracts. [103890]
§ Nigel GriffithsSmall firms make a vital contribution to the public sector. A survey of selected departments and agencies shows 50 per cent. of our contracts go to SMEs with a value of £730 million.
We have cut the requirement to provide three years accounts, to two years and I now want the requirement abolished to encourage start-ups and fledgling businesses.
And this new booklet "Smaller supplier—better value" supports our new web portal for small firms seeking Government contracts.
But there is much much more we can and must do.