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This has close parallels to a current discussion on LinkedIn which started with a thread entitled "PQQ's - Do small or new companies actually have any chance of even progressing to the tender stage with Government Departments, Councils etc." Combining that input with another initiative on "Keeping Business Local", there is a lobby group emerging here in Scotland which aims to take matters up with the Scottish Government in areas where they control expenditure and procurement.

While I imagine there is considerable scope for building such lobby groups on a basis which would tackle the problem at Local Authority level in each area, there also needs to be some push at National Government level. Otherwise Council Procurement Offices will continue to "play safe", rather than risk being innovative in areas where things might go wrong.

Whatever the outcomes SME's will need to play their part and fully demonstrate their ability to deliver as low risk providers. I do believe scope already exists to interpret current rules in favour of locally based providers if the price gap is not significant. This would operate successfully if the Political will was there.

To view the Full discussion topic on LinkedIn :

http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestionAndAnswers&discussionID=14483673&gid=784677&commentID=12553172&trk=view_disc
Reply by John Clark on 02/03/2010 at 16:30

The next town to us has set up a register of local businesses within that town who they will go to first for tenders and will also give free advice on how to win tenders and where they may have gone wrong of they don't win, suppose its a start for local businesses in their town, but small businesses still have to remember that when it is public money at stake they must keep prices competitive.e
Reply by yanine humphrey on 12/05/2010 at 12:18