Norfolk MP wants more small businesses to bid for Government contracts
Jerome Mayhew, represents Broadland and wants to see the application process simplified and de-regulated, where appropriate.
Last updated 24th Feb 2022
A Norfolk MP wants our small businesses to have a better chance of getting Government contracts.
Jerome Mayhew, represents Broadland and wants to see the application process simplified and de-regulated, where appropriate.
He told us there's currently a lot of obstacles in their way and the system needs changing: "Over time all these regulations build up in contracts. Then Government look at it individually and say that's a really good idea, lets ensure that all our contractors have to abide by this issue and then that issue.
"But collectively and over time it becomes quite onerous, particularly for small businesses to show their compliance.
"When you are tendering for a Government contract sometimes only the big boys can jump all the hurdles, or it certainly helps them. Whilst each one of those objects which the Government's contracts are trying to achieve is fine, collectively it means that small businesses may find it a lot harder to get involved".
Mr Mayhew went on to say that small changes can go a long way: "Every little step that Government can do to make it that bit easier for businesses to get on, grow, be profitable, to employ, to be able to get to their market efficiently- can go a long way. Lots and lots of little steps like that can transform over time our economic outlook and that's what I'm after".
He concluded by saying it's an issue he's passionate about: "I'm always keen to support small businesses in Norfolk, to help them to get ahead. We want to be a thriving entrepreneurial business-friendly environment, we want people to be creating new businesses because that creates jobs that helps everyone.
"It's also that success in growing businesses that creates taxation, that pays for all the great stuff we have at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, for example".
He'll be putting his question to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office from between 09.30am and 10.10am.