Scotland
UK
Ireland
London
A new digital procurement scheme will make it easier for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and third-sector businesses to bid for £10bn worth of public sector contracts in Scotland, it has been announced.
In a statement, the Scottish Government confirmed a £360,000 funding boost to the Supplier Development Programme which will help an additional 2,200 businesses of all sizes and across all sectors, develop their digital capability and be more efficient in bidding and fulfilling public contracts.
SMEs will receive advice on attracting online trade and on transacting electronically with the public sector through a series of events, training opportunities and a new SDP website, which has been established by funding from the Scottish Government's Digital Scotland Business Excellence Partnership.
The roll-out of the programme will supplement existing services provided by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Ready for Business and the Supplier Development Programme.
Currently, the public sector spends around £10bn a year on contracts, with 46% spent with SMEs.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: "Earlier this month, the Scottish Parliament passed the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Bill which means that public bodies will now have a duty to consider how they can facilitate the involvement of SMEs, third sector bodies and supported businesses in procurements.
"This new funding for the Supplier Development Programme will play a key role in helping suppliers participate in procurement exercises, and is a great example of public services in Scotland working together to develop our economic capacity.
"Working in partnership with the enterprise agencies, local authorities and other public bodies, we are committed to proactively supporting Scottish suppliers and want to help them meet the requirements of public bodies.
"What's more, through the Supplier Development Programme we can contribute to the development of digital business skills that can allow Scottish business to compete in the global market."
The Supplier Development Programme will be hosted by South Lanarkshire Council.
(JP/IT)
