SME Action Plan to ensure government buys from SMEs
A new SME Action Plan is being devised by the government so that smaller businesses have easier access to government contracts.
The SME Action Plan sets out a commitment by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) that by 2022, at least £1 in every £3 government spends will be with smaller businesses.
The BEIS Group will spend an extra £35 million with SMEs to level the playing field for SMEs bidding for government procurement contracts. BEIS and its partner agencies currently spend approximately £360 million a year on SMEs.
To help smaller businesses find subcontracting work, the department will also ensure government’s larger suppliers advertise on the government's Contracts Finder site.
Small Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst said: "The UK’s 5.7 million SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy, employing 16 million people and accounting for £1.9 trillion of turnover. They work hard, day in and day out, creating jobs, opportunities and greater choice for consumers and helping to keep the UK a great place to start and grow a business.
"That is why this government’s modern Industrial Strategy is fully behind them and we are working, through initiatives like the SME Action Plan, to build a Britain in which they can continue to thrive."
Latest News
15/04/2026 - 11:31
Water companies have paid £8.5 million into environmental restoration projects as part of a strengthened crackdown on pollution and poor perf
15/04/2026 - 10:52
130 cultural venues, museums and libraries are set to receive a share of £130 million to boost access to arts and culture.
14/04/2026 - 11:34
From 1 May, councils will be equipped with strengthened duties and powers to oversee the government’s flagship Renters’ Rights Act.
14/04/2026 - 11:07
The government has set out new rules on how councils can spend funding to to fix potholes and maintain local roads.
13/04/2026 - 12:57
DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund has awarded £4 million to 24 local museums.
