Firms urged to check out new guide to doing business with Government
Jon Power, Internationalisation Manager, CLEP
Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) is urging small and medium sized firms that aim to do business with the Government to take advantage of a new guide to the process.
In support of the recent Small Business Saturday, the Government published its ‘Selling To Government Guide’ that will give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) essential information on how to bid for and win government contracts.
Government says it is intent on giving smaller businesses better access to the £50 billion worth of public contracts, which can include anything from supplying hospital equipment to providing public sector pensions, which are tendered each year.
The guide includes advice on where business owners can look online for Government contract opportunities and also includes tips on how SMEs can make sure they are showcasing their strengths during the bidding process. This will be backed up by online webinar sessions for small businesses.
It also gives guidance on how businesses can secure work through supply chains by working with larger companies to help deliver things such as long-running IT or catering projects.
Jon Power, CLEP’s Head of Business Programmes, said: “In Cumbria, as in many other parts of the UK, small businesses are at the heart of our economy and communities. They can offer innovation, excellent value for money and an agile business model that makes them an attractive proposition.
“It’s encouraging to see that Government recognises these qualities and is taking steps to make it easier for SMEs to access work.
“I would encourage our businesses to check out the guidance and take the opportunity to show what Cumbria can do!”
The guidance can be found at: SMEs: A guide to working with government - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Mr Power also restated an offer to Cumbrian businesses to get in touch to see how CLEP can help them after what has probably been the most turbulent 22 months on record.
CLEP’s business advice service, which brings together support from CLEP and its national and local partners, is funded directly by Government and as such is free at the point of access to businesses.
Through CLEP, businesses can benefit from free expert advice, mentoring, masterclasses and events, as well as a range of dedicated support programmes. Its advisers will work directly with businesses to create tailored solutions to unlock the potential of their company.
He said: “CLEP is continuing to provide new products and services to our businesses across Cumbria to help them to overcome existing business challenges, develop new opportunities and grow to reach their full potential.
“Our offer is part of Government’s national network of support to businesses, which means we can make sure that businesses can access the best support, events, programmes and expert advice from a wide range of organisations.”
Businesses can contact CLEP’s dedicated Business Advisors on Freephone 0800 069 6444 or info@thecumbrialep.co.uk for any support that they need.