This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Reform of public procurement procedures
12/12/2005
Public sector procurement procedures in Scotland are to be further reformed to make it easier for private sector firms, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to compete for business.
Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen said that the Executive was determined to improve the opportunities for SMEs when dealing with the public sector.
After meeting Iain Graham, chairman and CEO of Graham Technology, at their Inchinnan base today Mr Stephen said:
"At the Business in the Parliament event earlier this year, Iain Graham focused attention on the difficulties small, growing companies can face in competing for government business.
"I agreed then that this was a serious issue. I have since met with Iain and other business leaders to hear their concerns in more detail.
"The Scottish Executive is determined to remove the barriers which prevent many companies, particularly SMEs, getting better access to contracting opportunities in the public sector.
"Our officials are working closely with representatives of key organisations like the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors and the Federation of Small Businesses to bring forward new procedures which will improve the public sector procurement process.
"We will soon announce details of a series of measures which will improve access to public sector contracts for smaller firms. I wanted to discuss these proposals with Iain Graham today, as he has been a powerful voice for improving the current system.
"The Executive is taking this issue very seriously. The new approach will include better advertising procedures, a code of practice for purchasers and suppliers, measures to reduce red tape and futher positive developments from the eProcurement Scotl@nd Programme.
"Major improvements to public sector procurement will also follow from the review being carried out by leading businessman John McClelland. These findings should be published in the next few weeks.
"We are determined to make it easier, and cheaper, for suppliers, including SMEs, to do business with the Scottish public sector.
"Our goal is to make the Scottish public sector the best in Europe to do business with."