Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Davies Excerpts

Wednesday 27th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Chris Davies (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)]

10. What steps his Department is taking to encourage the use of small businesses in Government procurement.

[Bim Afolami (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con)]

11. What steps his Department is taking to encourage the use of small businesses in Government procurement.

--- Later in debate ---

[Oliver Dowden]

As my hon. Friend will know, small businesses generate more than 16 million jobs and we are determined to level the playing field so that those in coastal towns such as Southend get their fair share of prosperity and win Government contracts. I encourage businesses in Southend to look on Contracts Finder, on which more than 17,000 small businesses are already registered, for procurement opportunities.

[Chris Davies]

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is vital that we have a vibrant and mixed group of suppliers and small businesses from all corners of the UK, including Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and that they should all be considered equally in the procurement process?

[Oliver Dowden]

My hon. Friend is absolutely correct. It is crucial to ensure that we have a diverse supplier base. We have made a number of changes to the Government procurement processes to assist small businesses, including requiring prime contractors to advertise subcontracting opportunities on the Government Contracts Finder. We also divide contracts into separate lots, including by region, when that makes commercial sense.