November 8, 2005

DTI (the Department of Trade and Industry) has chosen Serco as its main contractor to build, manage and run the government’s Internet-based B2B information database.

The decision is one of a series of B2B initiatives outlined in plans by the DTI’s Small Business Service to outsource the delivery of its web and IT operations.

Serco is now responsible for developing and delivering the government’s business.gov programme. This will involve working with SBS and a number of other government departments including DTI, the Treasury, Companies House, the Cabinet Office and HM Revenue and Customs.

One objective is to transform Directgov's sister site, the Businesslink information portal - www.businesslink.gov.uk - into a cross-government 'transaction-based' website targeting small and medium-sized enterprise.

Serco Group Chief Executive Christopher Hyman said: "The Small Business Service is a Government flagship service for SMEs.

Part of the SBS mission is to foster entrepreneurial cultures and help people achieve their potential. Serco shares these ambitions. We will draw on capability from across Serco to support their achievement through this contract."

The contract is for a minimum of five years with options to extend for four additional 12-month periods. If the contract runs to the full term, it would be worth at least £125 million.

Source: eGov Monitor