Small and medium-sized businesses have flocked to an inaugural 'Meet the Buyer' expo in Wellington to offer their wares to big Government buyers they would normally struggle to meet.
Christine Bear, managing director at CBA, a strategic IT company, was among the 400-odd businesses pitching their products and services to 15 Government agencies, alongside a mini-expo housing a range of organisations designed to support SMEs or work alongside Government.
"The current tendering process doesn't really recognise that New Zealand's middle-sized businesses have a great deal to offer. They are often overlooked for larger organisations," Bear said.
"Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the economy, they support all the country's workers so the opportunity to engage with Government is critical for our survival."
The proof of the new expo-style concept would be when the ministry changes the tendering process to create an even playing field for all businesses, said Bear.