New report to boost public sector work for SMEs

A new report has been published to encourage the involvement of small and medium sized companies (SMEs) in public sector construction contracts.

The report, which highlights examples of best practice in the West Midlands, has been produced following the establishment of a specialist task force, comprising key representatives from the construction sector, including the West Midlands Centre for Constructing Excellence (WMCCE).

The Coalition Government has said they want 25 per cent of all public sector contracts to be awarded to SMEs. But, according to WMCCE, those involved in public sector procurement need to be sympathetic to the challenges facing SMEs if this target is to be achieved.

The report also highlights the steps that these businesses need to take to improve their approach to tendering for public sector work.

The report, Opportunity in Austerity, clearly identifies an action plan for each of the groups involved in the procurement of public sector contracts, including public sector bodies, lead contractors, SMEs and industry support bodies.

Phil Wilson, executive director at WMCCE, said: "We’re keen to partner with public sector organisations and Local Enterprise Partnerships to help turn these actions into a reality and keep public funds that are being spent on construction projects in the local area by helping to create local supply chains."

Further information:
West Midlands Centre for Constructing Excellence