Figures from a consultation document published by the Scottish government have revealed that SMEs are far more likely to be awarded public contracts in Scotland than England.

The document revealed that approximately 78% of Scottish public sector contracts are awarded to SMEs. Contrastingly, only 13.7% of central government contracts and 49% of local government contracts are won by SMEs in England. Scottish government also claim that of the 78% of SMEs being awarded contracts, 60% are also Scottish.

Regardless of the impressive figures, Scotland will be looking to make it even easier for SMEs and new business to bid for public contracts.

Alex Neil, cabinet secretary for infrastructure and capital investment: “Public sector spending on goods and services across Scotland amounts to over £9 billion per year. Good public procurement is a vital contributor to growing the economy and done well it can be an effective lever in supporting delivery of the government’s priorities whether that is job creation, infrastructure development, strengthening our communities or supporting our transition to a low carbon economy.”

Scotland claim that between 2006 and 2008 that in only four other EU states - Luxembourg, Slovakia, Germany and Ireland - SMEs had greater access to public procurement.