Thousands of Scottish companies are landing contracts after signing up to a free website for public sector work, a report revealed today.

The Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) site advertises billions of pounds’ worth of contracts offered by the Scottish public sector.

According to the PCS annual report, in the last year over 6,200 companies across Scotland secured public sector contracts.

Public sector bodies who register can post details of contracts, which companies can then bid to fulfil.

Speaking in Edinburgh where he met two key bodies charged with driving forward the reform of public procurement, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil, said:

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"I want to make it easier for Scottish firms to find and bid for public sector work in Scotland, so I am delighted to see the success stories outlined in this PCS report.

"Over £9 billion-worth of work is awarded by the public sector in Scotland each year, and the website, offers a single source of information that gives businesses access to public contract opportunities throughout Scotland.

"It is heartening that over 60 per cent of suppliers awarded contracts are Scottish based small to medium sized companies. Evidence suggests that is an increasing trend, which is helping deliver the Scottish Government’s priority of sustainable local economic growth.

"Over the coming year there will be more work designed to make the procurement process even simpler, such as the introduction of a Sustainable Procurement Bill."

William O Braisby, Director of Braisby Roofing, a Dunfermline-based business employing 90 staff, said: "We are fortunate to be located within a local authority region which advertises extensively with PCS. Although we work throughout the country, the ability to pick up local work has a real cost benefit to the business.

"Undoubtedly, signing up to PCS has delivered some great results for the business. I would recommend any company looking to benefit from public sector contract to sign up to the portal."

(GK)