Councils, housing associations and other public sector bodies are being urged to use local SMEs for construction contracts.

LHC is playing its part by developing an innovative new framework opportunity. The new Kitchen & Bathroom Installation framework, due in 2015, will be the first to fully benefit from this approach, and will be focused on helping small to medium sized firms get access to public sector contracts.

-- Advertisement --

The public sector procurement process has been a daunting prospect for many SMEs due to the intensive and complex pre-qualification process.

However, changes that are taking place should provide increased opportunity with councils, housing associations and other public sector bodies in the construction and refurbishment sector for positive, forward-thinking smaller businesses.

In addition, a new EU Directive 2014/24 on Public Procurement, currently being prepared for enactment by UK and Scottish Governments, is intended to make it easier for the public sector to involve SMEs in the procurement process.

Councils are also being encouraged to remove barriers to doing business with SMEs where possible, as well as advertising tenders and identifying all opportunities above £5k through regional portals.

(CD/MH)