Many small and medium sized businesses say they find it hard to win or increase their share of work from the public sector in the present economic climate.
At a recent Essex County Council public workshop to look at this issue, delegates from a range of business sectors, including the construction industry, were encouraged by senior ECC executives and councillors to engage in a dialogue with the council to find ways to improve access for all.
At Birkett Long we are interested to hear more about your experiences in bidding for and securing contracts with the public sector, whether at local or national level. How do you think the system can be improved?
Would you agree/disagree with the proposition that the public sector market still favours big/national players?
What should be done to improve the situation? Or maybe you think it is fine as it is?
Things to consider might include:
- How do you find out about bidding opportunities?
- Are they sufficiently advertised?
- Whether "buy local" initiatives are working for you?
- Do "framework" agreements help or hinder?
- What's been the impact of online/"e" procurement initiatives on your business?
- What other initiatives would you like to see in place?
- Do you know what role the Local Government Ombudsman can play to help you?
- Have you had experience of challenging a procurement award and what was the outcome?
Please drop us an email at constructionlaw@birkettlong.co.uk - we’d like to hear your views.
