Ibec welcomes update to guidance to support SME participation in public procurement

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, welcomes the publication of the new Government guidance to support SME participation in public procurement. The update builds on the aspirations of circular 10/14: Initiatives to assist SMEs in public procurement, and was developed in collaboration with Ibec and other industry bodies. 

Aidan Sweeney, Ibec Head of Enterprise & Regulatory Affairs said: “Selling to the public sector is an important channel for Irish business. However, it can be a difficult SMEs to access. Measures introduced through this new guidance should make it easier for SMEs to do business with the government, whether it is a local authority, school, government department or even the HSE. 

“Whilst public procurement is heavily regulated across Europe, the changes introduced are permissible and welcome. Simplification, cost-reduction, and increased transparency are proven approaches to increasing SME, micro and founder-led enterprises’ access for contracts. This is the basis of the new Circular, which Ibec was pleased to be involved in the development of this new guidance through the Office of Government Procurement’s SME Advisory Group. SMEs should benefit from enhanced visibility of procurement opportunities across the country, efforts to reduce unnecessary and costly bureaucracy, as well as fairer requirements on companies looking to bid for work. 

“Whilst public procurement is heavily regulated across Europe, the changes introduced are permissible and welcome. Public sector, and ultimately the taxpayer, benefits from increased competition and innovation in the marketplace right across the country. This will also allow government to be a better buyer of innovation, green and sustainable products and services.”