07 Sep 2017Figures published by the Government Digital Service have revealed that the public sector has spent more than £1 billion with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) via the government’s Digital Marketplace. The Marketplace allows SMEs to sell their goods and services to the government and public sector organisations, and aims to make government procurement ‘easier and more transparent’. As of July, total spending using the Digital Marketplace exceeded £2.6 billion, the data revealed. Since 2012, £1.2 billion has been spent with SMEs on cloud and digital services. The data also found that £1.39 in every £3 spent via the Digital Marketplace went to SMEs. Niall Quinn, Director of the Technology Strategic Category for the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), said: ‘We’re making it as easy as possible for small business to supply to government. They in turn will help us to deliver efficient public services that meet the needs of citizens.’ Meanwhile, Warren Smith, Director of the Digital Marketplace, stated: ‘We are continually focused on breaking down the barriers to entry for SMEs to do business with government, for example, by simplifying the application process. ‘We are also breaking down the traditionally large contracts into smaller ones, which favour a more diverse range of suppliers and help government to buy services more efficiently.’