22/10/2014

Small Firms Scoop Over Half Of Govt Contracts In NI

Finance Minister Simon Hamilton MLA has revealed that small businesses win over 50% of Government contracts in Northern Ireland.

The Finance Minister was speaking to over 650 suppliers at the annual InterTradeIreland 'Meet the Buyer' event in Belfast.

'Meet the Buyer' is organised by InterTradeIreland, in partnership with the Department of Finance and Personnel's Central Procurement Directorate (CPD), Enterprise Ireland, Invest NI, the Strategic Investment Board, and the Irish Office of Government Procurement.

Encouraging delegates to meet with public sector buyers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at the event, the Minister said: "Government contracts have an annual expenditure in the region of £2.6billion in Northern Ireland. Last year more than half of contracts went to businesses with fewer than 50 employees, which shows that opportunities really are available for all sizes of companies in Northern Ireland.

"Winning these public sector contracts helps local businesses grow and sustain jobs across a range of sectors. Expenditure from central Government, Councils, universities and other public bodies helps to boost our regional economy."

(CD/JP)

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