Scottish Government
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Improving support for suppliers
A 'Champions Group' will oversee an advice service for companies involved in bidding for public contracts, it was announced yesterday.
The expert group of public, private and third sector representatives will be tasked with raising awareness of The Single Point of Enquiry, and maximising its use by suppliers.
The Single Point of Enquiry is an informal service which businesses can turn to for confidential advice and support if they have concerns or questions about public procurement in Scotland.
The group will also use information gathered by the service to identify common themes and make independent recommendations about improving Scottish public procurement processes.
Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil, said
"The Single Point of Enquiry service is a success story. It is popular with both suppliers and buyers because it acts on an informal basis and encourages suppliers and public bodies to resolve any issues about tender processes without the need for costly legal action.
"With the support of the business community and the third sector, the Single Point of Enquiry can play an increasingly important role in improving public sector purchasing in Scotland."
Liz Cameron, Chair of the Supplier Engagement Working Group, and Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
"We are absolutely delighted that the Scottish Government have listened to our views and have implemented this recommendation.
"It will provide an easy and fast mechanism for suppliers to have their issues and ideas heard and hopefully resolved. Where appropriate, the Single Point of Enquiry will take steps to implement any changes or improvements necessary to make the system customer focussed for all.
"Public procurement remains a major lever to achieve our economic development growth plans, particularly for small and medium sized enterprises. This will be a win-win for all - a focus for business to assist our Scottish Government partners to implement improvements to the public procurement process that maximise the benefit to the Scottish economy. My advices to businesses - use it wisely and become Champions for Change".
Initial members of the Champions Group will include the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Scotland, Social Firms Scotland and representatives of the public sector.
