The Contracts Finder website is part of a package of measures to make sure that small companies, charities and voluntary organisations are ‘in the best possible position to compete for billions of pounds’ worth of contracts’, according to an official statement.

Other features of the package include the launch of “SME Product Surgeries”, giving companies the opportunity to pitch innovative products and services direct to a panel of senior procurement and operational professionals from central government and the wider public sector.

Susan Anderson, CBI director for public services says, ‘This is a welcome package of measures, but it could be much more radical by opening up all government contracts and public services to a range of innovative and expert providers.

‘This will contribute to economic recovery in the UK and ensure services are provided at a price taxpayers can afford.’

See also: Bidding for public sector contracts