The changes include seeking to eliminate Pre-Qualification Questionnaires for all central government procurements under £100,000 and allowing firms to submit their prequalification data once for all procurements in common commodities. This will put an end to companies having to submit the same data time and time again, saving time and money for the suppliers and for government.
Martin Jourdan, chairman of the BFC, said: “The BFC is delighted the Government has listened to the concerns we raised and the proposals we put forward. We have long campaigned for these procurement changes that will give SMEs in the furniture sector a greater opportunity to secure Government contracts.
“The furniture industry contributes £8.3 billion to the country’s GDP and has a high proportion of micro and small to medium sized businesses. These are changes we’ve long advocated and will provide a much needed boost for the industry.”