Setting sale in stormy waters

Released 11/02/2009

As the recession bites, opportunities are starting to present themselves for those in the public sector. Matthew Jane explains more

As we battle the stormy waters of recession and financial insecurities, there are occasional cracks of light in darkening skies overhead that offer glimmers of hope and opportunities to explore as we navigate the safest route.

Sourcing the most suitable deals is a vital aspect of effective purchasing, and as the economy takes a battering, the public sector is probably one of the best areas to be in.

Working within the public sector puts you in a very strong position for getting the best deals and companies will increasingly be looking to target the public sector as it is seen as more reliable vehicle, without the vulnerabilities of the private sector.

Increasingly small to medium sized companies will be encouraged to invest their time and efforts into working with the public sector, a market they may not have previously considered lucrative or accessible enough.

The Chancellor Alistair Darling has already suggested that all government bodies spend at least 30 per cent of their budgets with small to medium enterprises.

If you are making purchasing decisions in the coming months, it may be worthwhile to take a little extra time and explore all the options available. Smaller businesses may have more flexibility in offering you deals for bulk purchasing, and may also offer better service than large multinationals.

So if you begin to receive more phone calls and catalogues from companies you may not have previously considered, it may be worth taking five minutes to see what they can offer - as the chances are they will be very keen to secure your business.

Return to blog list