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ACCA and UK All-Parliamentary Party Small Business Group launch inquiry

25 Nov 2008

The introduction by the UK government of a new internet portal that makes tendering easier for contracts worth £20,000 or higher comes as a new inquiry is launched by ACCA and the UK's All-Parliamentary Party Small Business Group (APPSBG) into the barriers small firms face in bidding for and winning public sector contracts. The inquiry will inform the APPSBG's response to the recommendations outlined in the UK government's Glover Review, which was published alongside the pre-Budget report.

'The UK's public sector spends around £175bn a year on goods and services contracts. A level playing field for SMEs will not only provide smaller suppliers with a reliable revenue source, it will also give the public sector access to higher quality, substantial lifetime cost savings and superior service,' said Andy Love MP, chair of the APPSBG.

'The government's proposal shows much-needed commitment to a level playing field. This should be reflected in the detail of the scheme. We look forward to a free service matching opportunities with potential suppliers throughout the supply chain; streamlined pre-qualification through standardised, online business profiles; integrated guidance and information services; and active use of this resource by all government bodies.'

Interested parties are invited to submit a brief written memorandum by 4 December and oral evidence sessions will be held between 2pm and 4pm on the 8 and 15 December in the Grand Committee Room at the House of Commons. The report will be published in January 2009.

The full terms of reference for the inquiry can be found on ACCA's public affairs website. The main areas the inquiry will focus on are:

• the role of SMEs in government contractors' value chains
• risk and SME suppliers - perception, reality and signalling
• improving the public sector's record in prompt payment of suppliers
• linking procurement capability with SME access
• SMEs' interest in public procurement.