Are public sector procurement models and practices hindering small and medium suppliers?

TY - JOUR

T1 - Are public sector procurement models and practices hindering small and medium suppliers?

AU - Loader, Kim

PY - 2011/7

Y1 - 2011/7

N2 - This article determines how local authority procurement practices affect their ability to successfully procure from small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It found that smaller suppliers are more likely to thrive where a broader-based value-for-money decision factor is required and where shorter and smaller-scale contracts are available through open competition. However, trends in local government buying appear to be towards partnership, with an increasing emphasis on cost. Public sector organizations and SMEs may need to reflect further in order to determine more realistically where the scope for SME suppliers exist. Further research is required to determine the scope of SME-friendly opportunities.

AB - This article determines how local authority procurement practices affect their ability to successfully procure from small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It found that smaller suppliers are more likely to thrive where a broader-based value-for-money decision factor is required and where shorter and smaller-scale contracts are available through open competition. However, trends in local government buying appear to be towards partnership, with an increasing emphasis on cost. Public sector organizations and SMEs may need to reflect further in order to determine more realistically where the scope for SME suppliers exist. Further research is required to determine the scope of SME-friendly opportunities.

KW - SMALL BUSINESS

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79957793787&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1080/09540962.2011.586242

DO - 10.1080/09540962.2011.586242

M3 - Article

SN - 0954-0962

VL - 31

SP - 287

EP - 294

JO - Public Money and Management

JF - Public Money and Management

IS - 4

ER -