This snapshot, taken on 22/07/2004, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
 
Picture: UK Currency
 
Newsroom & Speeches   Link to Home Page  
abstract graphic Home Text Only abstract graphic Access Keys FAQ's and accessibility guidance contact details, map miscellaneous information abstract graphic comprehensive list of site sections and content A-Z Index abstract graphic abstract graphic Go
*
detailed information and policy
*
areas of popular interest
*
* all press releases, ministers’ speeches and statements
*
* regularly updated charts, statistics and forecasts
*
* live and closed consultations, legislative documents
*
* includes current job vacancies
*
* HMT micro sites and other useful sites
*
* list of independently conducted reviews
*
 
*
* Print this page
 
 
 
  © Crown Copyright
 
  
*
Link to Budget section * Link to Pre-Budget Report section * Link to Spending Review section * Link to Euro section
*

 

PRESS NOTICE ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT COMMERCE, ON BEHALF OF THE WOOD REVIEW

19th February 2004.

CONSULTATION ON EUROPEAN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT MARKETS

Alan Wood today launched a consultation process to identify the barriers faced by British businesses in accessing the estimated €1,500bn per year European market in public procurement.
 
Mr Wood, Chief Executive of Siemens in the UK and Chair of the EEF Economic Policy Committee, has been asked by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to examine the difficulties faced by UK-based firms in competing for public procurement contracts in other European Union countries.

The consultation will run until early April, and Mr Wood will present his findings and recommendations for action later this year.

Launching his consultation, Alan Wood said:

“We want to know which factors help UK suppliers win public contracts in other Member States, and what difficulties they encounter. I want to find out how these experiences compare with tendering for public sector contracts in the UK or for private sector contracts in other Member States.

We will look at any specific examples of barriers faced by UK firms and whether there is any unfair discrimination or other factors at work. I will also look at which procurement practices encountered in other Member States are helpful or unhelpful”.

Businesses can find a questionnaire and further information about the review on www.woodreview.org.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Chancellor announced Alan Wood’s review of European Public procurement in the 2003 Pre Budget Report in response to representations from industry. The terms of reference for the review can be seen at www.woodreview.org.

Alan Wood is being assisted by a Steering Group including representatives from the EEF, the CBI, and the GMB union, and officials from the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), HM Treasury and the DTI. 

The public procurement market accounts for some 16 per cent of EU GDP. Effective competition in public procurement is essential to the proper functioning of the Single Market, and public authorities are required to follow Single Market procurement rules, including principles of equal treatment for all suppliers regardless of nationality, and transparency in contract decisions.

Further advice to companies wishing to contribute to the review is available from the OGC Service Desk on 0845 000 4999 or email servicedesk@ogc.gsi.gov.uk or on http://www.woodreview.org./

For press enquiries please contact Martin Day on 020 7271 1318 or email martin.day@ogc.gsi.gov.uk

back to top
Press Notices January to June 2004 index