Research from Sage has revealed that 90% of the UK’s small business owners are entirely unaware of the G-Cloud and are missing out on a potential revenue stream as a result.
The government’s Digital Marketplace (G-Cloud) was launched in 2012 as a one-stop shop for the public sector to buy digital services and for small businesses to promote themselves to public sector bodies, local authorities and central government departments.
However, according to Sage, a lot more needs to be done to increase awareness. Brendan Flattery, President, Europe, Sage Group, said: "Eighty seven per cent of suppliers currently listed on G-Cloud are SMEs, but many UK small business owners still aren’t aware of the initiative."
"The Digital Marketplace is a powerful tool, helping these firms to sell their services to public sector organisations by simplifying the tender process.
"Small business owners need to re-examine whether they are able to sell their consultancy or services via G-Cloud, as they could tap into rich, unexplored revenue opportunities."
"To date, 41% of suppliers with sales activity on G-Cloud are Sage customers and our research shows that the biggest opportunity for suppliers is in the education sector, as this is where the largest number of contracts are being signed."
Sage therefore has identified tips for success in the Digital Marketplace which includes knowing the competition and knowing your audience.
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To Sage it is important to explain the benefits of the G-Cloud and making sure that tangible and measurable benefits are seen such as how time can be saved or how it can reduce costs.
It is also important for companies to think about the titles and descriptions that companies use for the services they list. Sage identify the importance of making these meaningful and with keywords that the audience might search for.
The Sage Small Business Panel surveyed 446 small business owners and decision makers in the UK.
