Brian Hayes highlights role of State contracts for SMEs

The Minister, who together with Taoiseach, Enda Kenny met with 12 Irish SMEs that have won substantial State contracts, noted that the Government spends around €14bn a year on goods and services.

“Too often the perception is that SMEs don’t win public sector procurement contracts,” said Minister Hayes. “The businesses that met with An Taoiseach today demonstrate that small and medium sized companies regularly win.

“The Programme for Government has identified public procurement as a key driver in supporting SMEs,” he said. “Irish companies can succeed at the highest levels and the presence of some of these companies here today demonstrates that.

“The Government recognises that winning public sector contracts contributes towards business expansion and job creation. If SMEs can get a share of the estimated €14bn Government spend on goods and services then this will inevitably filter down to both the securing and creating of real jobs.

“The website www.etenders.gov.ie, managed by the National Procurement Service, is a very important platform,” he said. “Suppliers wishing to do business with the State can see, and compete for, all contracts over the value of €25,000. It is essential that all SMEs are signed up to and actively engaged with this portal.”

The companies that met with the Minister and Taoiseach yesterday were: McAree Engineering; Bond Safety & Co; Brindleys Advertising;
Codex; Docket and Form International; Hibernian Business Equipment; JFC Manufacturing; Market Gardening Food Suppliers;
Gabriel Scientific; Homecare Medical Supplies; Newbridge Meats; and Datapac.