FMB applauds plan for web-based procurement system

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the new construction minister's initiative to set up a web-based procurement system for public sector projects.

The initiative, due to be unveiled by the government later this year, could have significant benefits for the small and medium sized (SMEs) building firms that make up the FMB's 13,000 strong membership.

A central web-based database should reduce the cost to local authorities of administering their own lists of approved builders, thus enabling them to draw from a larger pool.

FMB director of external affairs, Andrew Large, has urged Nigel Griffiths to ensure that smaller companies that are often less familiar with IT and the Internet are not excluded from public sector procurement.

"This could be the first opportunity for Griffiths to show his SME credentials," he said. "We would welcome the opportunity to work with him to develop an appropriate network of accredited SME contractors."