24 Apr 2025

Unlocking Government Procurement for Tech SMEs - Addressing Social Value Challenges

We're excited to share our latest report, "Navigating Social Value: Challenges Facing Tech SMEs in Government Procurement." This crucial study explores the real-world experiences of small and medium-sized tech enterprises (SMEs) as they navigate the social value requirements within public sector procurement.

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Following up on our previous work, "Improving Social Value in Tech Procurement," this report offers valuable insights gathered from over 100 tech SMEs operating within central government procurements. Our findings uncover the significant challenges SMEs face with the social value requirements in current procurement frameworks and offer recommendations on how to better support these innovative businesses. 

Key insights you'll find: 

Our report uncovers several critical challenges faced by tech SMEs. Here's a glimpse of what we discovered: 

  • Complexity unpacked: Many SMEs find the current landscape of social value requirements inconsistent and fragmented across different government contracts. This creates significant administrative hurdles and puts them at a competitive disadvantage. 

  • Clarity needed: A lack of clear, accessible guidance on effectively demonstrating social value leaves SMEs feeling confused and often perceiving the system as designed for larger organizations with dedicated resources. 

  • Connecting for success: SMEs are eager for more direct engagement with government buyers to gain a deeper understanding of social value expectations and to effectively showcase their unique capabilities and contributions. 

Want the full picture and our recommendations? Download the complete report today to understand these challenges and how we can foster a more inclusive and impactful public procurement process. 

 

 


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Contact the team

Georgina Maratheftis

Georgina Maratheftis

Associate Director, Local Public Services, techUK

Heather Cover-Kus

Heather Cover-Kus

Associate Director, Central Government and Education, techUK

Fred Sugden

Fred Sugden

Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK

Austin Earl

Austin Earl

Programme Manager, Education and EdTech, techUK

Robert Walker

Robert Walker

Head of Health & Social Care, techUK

Raya Tsolova

Senior Programme Manager, techUK

Cinzia Miatto

Cinzia Miatto

Programme Manager - Justice & Emergency Services, techUK

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