Portal will consolidate several supplier registration systems into one

The government has launched a centralised supplier registration system in an effort to cut waste and help SMEs bid for public work.

Currently suppliers have to register on several systems to be able to view, access and tender for business opportunities.

The new system will mean suppliers only have to register once to have access to a range of contracts.

The new registration platform will be available from April for the health sector and will be rolled out across other sectors in following months.

Cabinet minister Francis Maude said: “We’ve always said we want to simplify the procurement process, and it won’t make it easier for new suppliers to bid for government business if we’re asking them to register on several systems in order to access these opportunities.

“That’s why we asked the Government Procurement Service (GPS) to bring together the current myriad systems and tools into one single place of registration, holding accurate and up-to-date information on suppliers.

“It’s simple and innovative; it will reduce the time and cost spent tendering for government business – especially important for SMEs – and will improve how we share analysis of supplier financial information across government.”