The Government says it is determined to help SMEs in the ICT sector 'grasp the nettle' and start selling products and services to the public sector. Speaking at the 'Go Public Sector' event in London yesterday, Small Business Crown Representative Emma Jones (pictured) said: "I have a simple message. The Government is open for business and it is a good client for SMEs."
Jones was joined by senior representatives from the Cabinet Office SME Panel, the Crown Commercial Service, BT's Procurement division and specialist public sector trade organisation Innopsis in urging small comms and IT providers to take advantage of the Government's commitment, initially pledged in the Conservative's election manifesto and rubber stamped by Cabinet Office Minister Ben Gummer, to spend £1 of every £3 through SMEs by 2020.
"Selling to the Government is good for credibility and good for cash flow," emphasised Jones. "The Government pays 80% of undisputed invoices within five days and then rest are paid within 30 days," she stressed.
Jones also confirmed that simplification of the procurement process was high on the Cabinet's change agenda and a range of improvements are being trialled.
"Soon I hope somebody will say to me that selling to Government was a delightful experience," she said.
As a starting point, SME comms and IT providers were urged to search online for tender information - for example, Sell to Wales, Contracts Finder and TED (Tenders European Daily), and explore the G-Cloud Digital Market website. For more advice contact mike.thomas@innopsis.org