The Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) has revealed details of a free online public procurement course to help small businesses learn how to win public sector contracts.
The ‘Winning the Contract’ course will help firms bid for the £220bn of public sector contracts awarded each year by explaining the procurement process and demonstrating how to submit tenders.
The tool was originally launched in 2007 and cost £49.99 but following an evaluation early last year, the course has been refreshed and made freely available.
Trade, investment and small business minister Lord Davies said: “Small and medium-sized businesses already sell their goods and services to the public sector, but many more could do so.
"Opening up public sector procurement to a wider range of suppliers provides new opportunities for small businesses as the UK economy heads towards growth.”
While the course takes up to four hours to complete, this can be done in sections.
Businesses can register to access the ‘Winning the Contract’ course by clicking through to learndirect on the Business Link website at www.businesslink.gov.uk/procurement.
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