Small businesses will get free access to thousands of public sector contract opportunities under a new trial being launched by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

For May, June and July, the www.supply2gov.uk [1] website will allow new registrants to access contracts out to tender with a value of £100,000 or less.

"Small and medium-sized businesses need our support to expand," said business minister Shriti Vadera. "Many smaller businesses are more innovative, have lower costs and present better value for taxpayers than larger firms.

"Encouraging more small businesses to register for opportunities will mean buyers benefit from increased competition and access to a wider range of suppliers."

The move was welcomed by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), although it warned the government must ensure sufficient opportunities are advertised.

"Opening up public sector procurement to the UK's 4.5m small businesses can and should eradicate the false assumption that biggest is always best," said John Wright, national chairman at the FSB.