SMALL firms in London’s deprived East End are getting the chance for more business with the local authority. A pilot scheme is being tried out by Tower Hamlets council to cut the red tape and encourage suppliers to bid for work
SMALL firms in London's deprived East End are getting the chance for more business with the local authority.
A pilot scheme is being tried out by Tower Hamlets council to cut the red tape and encourage suppliers in the area to bid for work.
Larger contractors are also being urged to consider using small businesses as part of the scheme.
The council is even arranging for small firms to get training on how to deal with large organisations like local authorities.
It will no longer be obligatory for suppliers to apply for accreditation before they are able to do business with the Town Hall, helping smaller firms avoid unnecessary expense and red-tape.
"We are one of the biggest purchasers of goods and services in the East End," said council Cabinet member Ohid Ahmed. "So we want local companies to have every chance to do business, subject to tendering competitively for the work."
Firms wanting more information about supplying the council are being urged to contact the authority's Procurement advice centre online or by phone on 020-7364 4044, or call East London Business Place on 020-7537 6480.
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