The move is designed to make it easier for smaller businesses, who may lack the resources to read and digest reams of complicated terms and conditions, to supply goods and services to government.

The new contract removes duplication from the application process and streamlines procurement for companies that supply to government through Crown Commercial Service (CCS) procurement frameworks.

Emma Jones, Crown representative for small business, said: ‘The new CCS contract is shorter and easier to understand and takes a more standardised approach. This should save SMEs time and money when deciding to bid for CCS deals and I welcome the approach.’

CCS’s standard terms and conditions are now available online via gov.uk, with only those elements actually necessary for deals signed through CCS frameworks included in contracts.

Details of the public sector contract are here.

Report by Pat Sweet