A free trial is available which provides small and medium-sized businesses with access to thousands of public sector contract opportunities.

From 1 May until 31 July 2008, the www.supply2.gov.uk website will allow new registrants to gain free access to public sector contracts valued under £100,000 for the UK and Northern Ireland.

The free trial is part of the Department for Business’ Enterprise Strategy which was released in March and outlines new measures to increase the amount of government business won by small firms.

Business minister Shriti Vadera said: “Small and medium-sized businesses need our support to expand. Many smaller businesses are more innovative, have lower costs and present better value for taxpayers than larger firms.

“Introducing Britain’s small firms to government procurement contracts online will provide opportunities to grow that they would not have otherwise found.

“Encouraging more small businesses to register for opportunities will mean buyers benefit from increased competition and access to a wider range of suppliers.”

John Wright, Federation of Small Businesses national chairman, said:
“The announcement of a free trial for small businesses to get access to public sector contracts is very welcome news. We supported the Supply2 initiative from the outset and we hope that this free trial period will encourage more small businesses to try their hand at delivering goods and services to the public sector.”