Menu
24/06/2003
SMEs encouraged to bid for government contracts
Two pilot schemes were launched today to make it easier for SMEs owned by ethnic minorities to gain access to government contracts.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Paul Boateng outlined details of the pilots in the West Midlands and Haringey, North London, when he addressed the Ethnic Minority Business Forum in London.
A high proportion of the 290,000 SMEs in the West Midlands are owned by people from ethnic minorities, whilst 47% of businesses in Haringey are ethnic minority owned.
Chief Secretary Paul Boateng said: "Government has been listening to the concerns of small businesses and is determined to ensure that the role they perform in the local economy is given proper recognition. Black and ethnic businesses are central to this in many parts of the UK.
"We have acted to help businesses access government contracts more successfully. These plots will help test solutions on the ground in our business communities to make sure that SMEs are helped to deal with issues such as bidding costs, advertising, information, processes and paperwork."
The pilots attempt to simplify the methods of bidding for government work; streamline the procurement processes and allow SMEs to be considered for government contracts even if they cannot produce three-year audited accounts.
Both pilots will run into the Spring of 2005 and an evaluation will be carried out within 12 months.
(GMcG)
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Paul Boateng outlined details of the pilots in the West Midlands and Haringey, North London, when he addressed the Ethnic Minority Business Forum in London.
A high proportion of the 290,000 SMEs in the West Midlands are owned by people from ethnic minorities, whilst 47% of businesses in Haringey are ethnic minority owned.
Chief Secretary Paul Boateng said: "Government has been listening to the concerns of small businesses and is determined to ensure that the role they perform in the local economy is given proper recognition. Black and ethnic businesses are central to this in many parts of the UK.
"We have acted to help businesses access government contracts more successfully. These plots will help test solutions on the ground in our business communities to make sure that SMEs are helped to deal with issues such as bidding costs, advertising, information, processes and paperwork."
The pilots attempt to simplify the methods of bidding for government work; streamline the procurement processes and allow SMEs to be considered for government contracts even if they cannot produce three-year audited accounts.
Both pilots will run into the Spring of 2005 and an evaluation will be carried out within 12 months.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 February 2011
Welcome For EU Review Of Support For Small Businesses
The UK Government, alongside other European member states including Belgium and Italy, today welcomed publication of the European Commission’s Small Business Act Review.
Welcome For EU Review Of Support For Small Businesses
The UK Government, alongside other European member states including Belgium and Italy, today welcomed publication of the European Commission’s Small Business Act Review.
17 January 2011
Simple Tax Laws 'Would Pay Off'
Some small business owners are so frustrated with the complexity of the UK tax system that they would pay more just to see it simplified, new research has found.
Simple Tax Laws 'Would Pay Off'
Some small business owners are so frustrated with the complexity of the UK tax system that they would pay more just to see it simplified, new research has found.
12 May 2010
Small Businesses Back Cameron
The Forum of Private Business has given a cautious welcome to the appointment of the new Prime Minister, David Cameron. The small business support group hopes the announcement of an agreement for No 10 will mark the start of a stable and functional administration, which is committed to ensuring economic recovery.
Small Businesses Back Cameron
The Forum of Private Business has given a cautious welcome to the appointment of the new Prime Minister, David Cameron. The small business support group hopes the announcement of an agreement for No 10 will mark the start of a stable and functional administration, which is committed to ensuring economic recovery.
17 September 2009
Cervical Cancer Jab 'Lower Among Ethnic Groups'
Strong cultural beliefs and low levels of awareness may curb the uptake of the cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine among certain ethnic groups in the UK, reveals research published ahead of print in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Cervical Cancer Jab 'Lower Among Ethnic Groups'
Strong cultural beliefs and low levels of awareness may curb the uptake of the cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine among certain ethnic groups in the UK, reveals research published ahead of print in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
23 November 2010
Government Appoints Life Sciences Business Adviser
Universities and Science Minister David Willetts and Health Minister Lord Howe have announced the appointment of Chris Brinsmead as the Government's Life Sciences Business Adviser today. Chris Brinsmead will support close and collaborative working on life sciences across Government and with key partners.
Government Appoints Life Sciences Business Adviser
Universities and Science Minister David Willetts and Health Minister Lord Howe have announced the appointment of Chris Brinsmead as the Government's Life Sciences Business Adviser today. Chris Brinsmead will support close and collaborative working on life sciences across Government and with key partners.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
