SMEs Public Sector Procurement 2024-02-29
2024-02-29
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the need for small and medium-sized enterprises to have better access to public sector procurement opportunities.
What steps his Department is taking to improve access to public sector procurement processes for small and medium-sized businesses. The question notes that there are significant barriers preventing SMEs from participating in tendering processes despite their economic importance.
The landmark Procurement Act 2023 will simplify public sector procurement and help small and medium-sized enterprises secure a greater share of £300 billion in annual expenditure. The Act includes measures to address the barriers faced by SMEs and encourages contracting authorities to consider these issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about upcoming secondary legislation or timeline for implementation.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights the current low participation of small businesses in public sector tendering, despite their significant role in the economy.
Small businesses are crucial to our economy. There are 5.5 million of them, representing over 99% of UK businesses and 61% of private employment. Yet only a fraction of these engage with public procurement processes. Could the Minister elaborate on efforts to encourage more small businesses to participate in tendering?
The Government is committed to ensuring that SMEs get a larger share of public contracts. The latest figures show UK small businesses received £21 billion, up by £1.7 billion from the previous year and the highest ever recorded, with increases for five consecutive years.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not elaborate on specific work being done to encourage more SMEs to enter tender processes beyond referencing increased spend figures.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question focuses on the upcoming implementation of the Procurement Act and its effectiveness in overcoming current challenges.
Acknowledging that the Procurement Act is expected to solve many issues, can he confirm it will definitely come into force at the beginning of October and that necessary secondary legislation is ready?
Despite the complexity, we are on track to meet our targets with secondary legislation, learning and development programs for contracting authorities, and a new online platform designed to simplify procurement processes for both suppliers and procurers.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm definitively that the Act will come into force in October or state the readiness of secondary legislation.
Response accuracy