Small Business Digest 
 
 
Small firms are losing lucrative contracts by not doing business online, according to the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). A survey of 170 firms found that fewer than four in ten small businesses use the web to tender for contracts, even though 73% of small businesses have the technology to sell their products and services online. 
 
More than four-fifths of those surveyed said they were unaware of the process that had to be used for tendering for government business online, even though every local authority will soon be required to procure all goods and services online.

Helen Alder, senior e-procurement specialist at the CIPS, said: "Online tendering gives small and medium-sized firms a chance to compete with big business. However, through a combination of technophobia, fear of change and lack of skills and investment in this area, too many firms are blunting their growth prospects by failing to seize the opportunity to tender for business online."

Almost a third of those who have not tendered for contracts online said they did not do so because they believed that their industry does not use online tendering. Other reasons cited were a lack of skills (17%), complexity (14%), lack of opportunity (12%) and mistrust of the process (11%).

THE British Chambers of Commerce is holding a series of seminars to help growing businesses understand the benefits of having a policy on corporate social responsibility. The seminars, which last two hours, will be run in association with the CSR Academy and will focus on practical tips on how to get started. Themes covered will include how to increase business leads and sales, how to reduce costs and how to improve relationships with the local community, partners, suppliers and clients.
The seminars will be held in six places — Accrington, Darlington, Derby, Sheffield, Leeds and Liverpool.

They are either free or will cost up to £20, depending on the area. Further information about the seminars can be found on the internet at www.chamberonline.co.uk