The Ministry of Works and Engineering and Housing will shortly roll out its new tendering process policy to assist small construction related companies.

Earlier this week Minister of Finance Paula Cox said that in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSBDC) the Contractor Business Service Incubator Scheme will be introduced.

?The strengthening and support for the small contractor is essential for Bermuda. BSBDC has designed this free service to be provided by professionals and offered to qualifying small companies in masonry, carpentry, electrical fitting, tiling, flooring and plumbing trades for a specific time period,? the Minister said.

This will enable highly skilled tradesman to augment their business management skills learning and understanding of the principles and practices of sound business planning and management. Provision has been made for the Permanent Secretary of Works and Engineering and Housing or his designate to serve on the Board of the BSBDC in an ex officio capacity.

Ms Cox said the intent is to formally strengthen the linkage between the Ministry of Works and Engineering and Housing and the BSBDC and the trades area falls within the remit of the Ministry. ?The new tendering process is designed to remove any obstacles that have traditionally prevented the small contractor from bidding on Government work,? Ms Cox explained.

?This Government is prepared to act to provide real economic empowerment to those who previously had been denied such opportunities.?