WIREDGOV

SME survey launched to help improve access to the public sector market.

To better understand the views of SMEs operating in the public sector tech market, techUK has launched a comprehensive survey to capture their experiences. This is the third SME Survey techUK has undertaken, and the findings will be used to develop recommendations to promote innovation in the public sector, and help dynamic British based SMEs to scale and grow.

The 2016 SME Survey highlighted that many SMEs feel they are struggling to access the public sector market with procurement processes and terms and conditions in contracts being highlighted amongst the top barriers to entry. Throughout 2017 techUK has worked with the Government Digital Service and the Crown Commercial Service on a range of activities to address these concerns, including a series of market engagement events to help SMEs gain business with the Public Sector.

Real progress has been achieved in making it easier for SMEs to do business with Government, however there is still some way to go. As highlighted by techUK’s research in to the attitudes of civil servants, only 21 per cent of civil servants believe that there is an appetite within their department or organisation to increase the involvement of SMEs in the procurement chain.

Rob Driver, Head of Public Sector at techUK commented:

“SMEs are at the forefront of driving innovation in the public sector and the Government must continue improving procurement processes to enable greater access for innovative SMEs. There are now more opportunities than ever for SME’s to access the public sector market as a result of our ongoing work with Government, and I would encourage you to complete the survey to support techUK to continue campaigning on your behalf”.

COMPLETE SURVEY