25 July 2006

Supply2.gov.uk: your experiences

Mixed reports have been received about the success of www.supply2.gov.uk, the Government’s online portal for lower-value sales opportunities in the public sector. With over 7,000 contracts and 12,000 buyers signed up to the service, the Government claims that it has been successful in allowing smaller firms easy access to public sector work. However, the site’s decision to charge between £99 and £750 to access information about the contracts has led to claims that it is cashing in on small businesses’ needs. The Government claims that the charges make the portal sustainable in the long-term and do not put off suppliers from signing up. It also argues that offering the service for free would distort the market for tender information services. BPIF Corporate Affairs Director Andrew Brown said, “If the Government wants to charge for freely available information then it should be adding value to it. We need to hear from members who have used the site to find out whether they think it offers good value.” Members who have used the site should email Lizzy Hawkins, BPIF public affairs officer, or call her on 020 7915 8319.