Scottish Business Forums - View Single Post - Finally......SME's get a chance to grab a business 'lifeline'

MandsPAs · 09-07-09, 14:52

Hi John

I personnally would not recommend supply2gov as a way to government contracts. I am currently registered with them and despite getting emails every day, there has been very little published for Scotland. I am inundated with leads outwith my territorial area and need to "subscribe" and "part with cash" to get access to leads for the whole of the UK.

I attended the business 2 business networking event 2 weeks ago and whilst in some respects for my own business it was a little bit of a waste of time, in other respects, it gave me better insight into what I should be doing with my business so I can even get a look-in.

One example is when I explain I am a Virtual PA I get blank stares. I promote the fact that I can offer an alternative to using recruitment agencies as I provide an ad-hoc service that means things don't need to be completely out of hand before getting help. Again, blank stares. The other lesson I have learned is that being a Sole Trader is a big no-no for the public sector contracts - I need to be a limited company - which I am in the process of doing.

The best - and free - site in my opinion is Public Contracts Scotland - Home where you can register and receive alerts for your business type. You can also view all public service contracts ranging from NHS, Fire Brigade, Police, Councils and Scottish governemnt contracts and you are not restricted by area.

Thought I would share my experience and hope it might help others too.

Regards,

Sharon
M and S PAs

09-07-09, 14:52	#2 (permalink)
MandsPAs Finding my feet here Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Finally......SME's get a chance to grab a business 'lifeline' Hi John I personnally would not recommend supply2gov as a way to government contracts. I am currently registered with them and despite getting emails every day, there has been very little published for Scotland. I am inundated with leads outwith my territorial area and need to "subscribe" and "part with cash" to get access to leads for the whole of the UK. I attended the business 2 business networking event 2 weeks ago and whilst in some respects for my own business it was a little bit of a waste of time, in other respects, it gave me better insight into what I should be doing with my business so I can even get a look-in. One example is when I explain I am a Virtual PA I get blank stares. I promote the fact that I can offer an alternative to using recruitment agencies as I provide an ad-hoc service that means things don't need to be completely out of hand before getting help. Again, blank stares. The other lesson I have learned is that being a Sole Trader is a big no-no for the public sector contracts - I need to be a limited company - which I am in the process of doing. The best - and free - site in my opinion is Public Contracts Scotland - Home where you can register and receive alerts for your business type. You can also view all public service contracts ranging from NHS, Fire Brigade, Police, Councils and Scottish governemnt contracts and you are not restricted by area. Thought I would share my experience and hope it might help others too. Regards, Sharon M and S PAs Last edited by MandsPAs; 09-07-09 at 14:54.