Small and medium sized businesses have until the end of this month to register for a no obligation three month website trial that offers free access to thousands of public sector contract opportunities.
More than 87,500 contracts have been advertised on supply2.gov.uk since it launched two years ago, specifically aimed at smaller sized firms that benefit from tenders valued at £100,000 or less.
Business Minister Shriti Vadera said: “Many smaller businesses are more innovative, have lower costs and present better value for taxpayers than larger firms. We need to ensure they have better access to Government procurement to give them the opportunity to grow.”
Businesses that register for the online trial at www.supply2.gov.uk before 31 July 2008, will receive free access to contracts across the UK and Northern Ireland.
After the free national upgrade trial, the user’s access level reverts to the free location selected at registration unless they choose to maintain access at the national level or select to upgrade to an alternative level of subscription.
In a separate development, eGenie, the free job auction website, has launched a new way for customers to find tradespeople.
Consumers post the jobs they need carried out and companies in their area bid auction-style for the work. eGenie.co.uk helps users find the best quote for the job from professionals specialising in construction, household repairs, gardening and a wide range of other services. For companies, the site acts as another platform to market their services, skills and qualifications and earn recommendations from customers.
Although still relatively new, eGenie is already attracting job postings from people in the Highlands and Islands.
