From 31st March the new Contracts Finder portal will have information on contracts worth over £10,000 from central government departments and their agencies.  Local government bodies are also being encouraged to make their opportunities available on this service at

 www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/  

You will be able to search for contracts by keyword, location and minimum/maximum values.  You will also be able to register for email alerts and add you business details to the supplier directory.  This website replaces the supply2gov website which previously had information on lower value public sector contracts.

Ministers have ordered government departments to cut the paperwork required to apply for public sector contracts and the Cabinet Office has removed the need for pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs) on any contract below £100k.  If a government department or quango does request a PQQ for jobs below £100k then SMEs can notify the Cabinet Office service desk.  Unfortunately, they will not be able to offer practical help to companies trying to win work on a particular contract, but will make representations to the department concerned to change their practices, Tel: 0845 000 4999, Email: servicedesk@cabinet-office.gis.gov.uk.

We would like to know of any companies approaching the Cabinet Office, so if you do email them, please could you copy Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB,  into your email at  brianberry@fmb.org.uk).