Women in Rural Enterprise
Supporting Women in Business
Selling to the government - 05/08/2012
Data has been published on £70 billion of potential future contracts over the next five years, across 13 different sectors including construction, property, medical and police equipment. Publishing data on future contract needs allows government and industry to work together to spot any skills and investment gaps so they can act to safeguard UK competitiveness and growth.
The Government’s proactive approach has been hailed by industry leaders today, and a total of 17 industry bodies and suppliers, including British Chambers of Commerce, the Confederation for British Industry (CBI), Institute of Directors and the UK Contractors Group, have signed up Government’s approach and signed ministers’ “Procurement Pledge”.
Minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude said:
“We have published details of £70 billion of potential Government business. Never before has a government been so open about its long-term business needs.
“Industry leaders recognise the value of publishing these pipelines and that is why they support our reforms which will boost growth.
“Publishing data on what we plan to buy – whether it’s tunnels or computers – means we can identify skills gaps sooner and give industry a heads up so UK businesses are in a better position to compete.”
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable said:
"In the coming years the Government will purchase billions of pounds worth of equipment and services, which means billions of pounds worth of potential opportunities for UK business. By publishing details of our expected future requirements ahead of time and adopting a strategic approach, we can help give UK suppliers the confidence to invest in people, plants and technologies here at home so they can compete for and win these government contracts, as well as seek new opportunities abroad.
"Frankly, we’ve been too short-term in how we’ve done procurement in the past. Our key competitors in Europe already see procurement as an integral part of a proper industrial strategy and it’s time we did the same. This is a win-win scenario, making our businesses stronger and providing best value for the taxpayer."
In addition to identifying skills gaps, today’s measures will help to combat the “famine and feast” nature of the jobs market where a lack of central data on projects across the country can lead to avoidable gaps between projects.
The Government has also published an initial analysis on strategic capability, using construction and tunnelling as an example and identifying some of the skills and changes required to meet future demand. In future the Government will publish plans for other key sectors.
Today’s announcement builds on a package of measures published by the Government in November 2011 to revolutionise it buys from the private sector. The package included publishing £50bn of potential business online; making it 40 per cent faster to do business with government; and collaborating with businesses in the UK at a much earlier stage in the procurement process so they do not find themselves excluded from opportunities.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Data on contracts can be found at http://www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/.
News
06/05/2013 New Report - Maximising women’s contribution to future economic...
The Women’s Business Council is an independent, one-year working group that was set up by the Government in 2012 with the aim of ensuring real action...
04/29/2013 Farming Help Charities Emergency Fund
Due to the unprecedented weather conditions over the last 12 months, until the end of April 2013 all donations will be given directly to the Farming Help...
04/05/2013 Are you ready for "Real Time"
Getting ready for real time by Lisa Ewens, Sage Online Category Manager
03/28/2013 Minister endorses WiRE Conference
Minister for Women and Equalities was unable to speak at the WiRE Conference but supplied the following supporting statement. Some tickets still available.
Blogs
The latest blog post....
10 signs it's time to outsource some of your work by WiRE Team
By Nicole Anderson Mort - Sage Business Development Director It's easy to think you can do it all yourself when you're running a business. But outsourcing can help grow your business, not to mentio...
Networks
Featured Network - Chiltern & Dacorum WiRE Network, Bucks/Herts
Chiltern & Dacorum June 2012 e-Newsletter
To view the Nework Page - Click HERE
Little PJS
Nightwear/Pyjamas
01845 565042
Business News
12/20/2011 B&B owner wins HMRC VAT dispute
The owner of a bed and breakfast, who is also a partner in a farm run by her husband and son, has won an appeal
09/21/2011 TV Company looking for participants
TV Company is looking for families on the brink of major life changes.
05/19/2011 Could your business capitalise on the opportunities created by the...
The forthcoming 2012 Games have already created a huge range of opportunities for West Midlands businesses to supply goods and services. To ensure you...
04/20/2011 "Bear Pit" Business Competition - Win £1000
Calling all Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Businesses
© 2013