The end of 2012 saw the Cabinet Office's Mystery Shopper initiative reach over 300 investigated complaints since its beginnings 18 months ago.

The service which looks to gain feedback from businesses regarding government procurement saw 80 percent of cases based on complaints regarding the procurement process with a focus on unachievable entry requirements.

38 percent of cases investigated involved concerns with complex pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs) which have been viewed as being a competition barrier to SMEs in favour of big business.