SMALL businesses in Essex can compete for thousands of public-sector contracts in a free Government trial.

The department of business, enterprise and regulatory reform has opened up its website, supply2.gov.uk, to new registrants for free, to increase the number of small firms winning Government contracts.

Companies can bid for work on contracts valued up to £100,000 until July 31 this year.

Business minister Shriti Vadera, said: "Introducing Britain's small firms to Government procurement contracts online will provide opportunities to grow that they would not have otherwise found.

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

The Federation of Small Businesses has supported the move.