Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The questioner highlights the need to support small and medium-sized businesses through public procurement reforms.
What steps is the Minister taking to help support small and medium-sized businesses through reforms to public procurement?
This Government are determined to ensure that public procurement backs small and medium-sized enterprises. We have strengthened late payment rules, set ambitious targets for Departments to spend more with SMEs—totalling £7 billion by 2028—and are simplifying the system. The Federation of Small Businesses is involved in this work.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The questioner highlights Antich & Sons, a family-owned textiles company that aligns with the industrial strategy and northern growth strategy.
What are this Government doing to help companies like Antich & Sons access procurement processes?
Small businesses will now receive over £7 billion a year from government procurement, supporting the industrial strategy. This will support more money, jobs and opportunities in local communities.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The questioner highlights Dellner Glass Solutions, a company in her constituency that supplies window and door systems to the UK's world-leading bus manufacturing market.
What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that reforms to public procurement support the growth of companies like Dellner Glass Solutions across the UK bus manufacturing supply chain?
We have announced a 10-year pipeline with over £70 million funding for zero emission buses. We are also working on redefining social value to ensure it supports local communities and jobs, which should help companies like Dellner Glass Solutions stand out in public procurement.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner points out the Ministry of Justice commissioning fewer hours of education and training in prisons due to an increase in unit price, suggesting small businesses should be allowed to bid for contracts.
Will the Minister confirm whether these reforms will apply to the provision of services to prisons?
The reforms apply to all Departments, including the MOJ. I will ask colleagues in the Ministry of Justice about this specific issue and get back to him with specifics.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on procurement reforms for prison education and training services
I Will Ask Colleagues...
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner notes that only 5% of the defence procurement budget is allocated to SMEs and asks how the Government will change this.
How will the Government change public procurement to benefit SMEs and the economy?
We need to do more to support SMEs using our procurement budget. We have announced new guidance to ensure contracts go to British companies in sectors like steel and shipping, and to help small businesses.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific changes for defence procurement to benefit SMEs
We Need To Do More...
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