The trial, which runs from 1 May to 31 July, enables companies to gain free access to public sector contracts valued at under £100,000 via the website www.supply2.gov.uk

There are currently more than 900 print-related tenders up for grabs across the UK, with more expected every day.

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

"Introducing small firms to government procurement contracts online will provide opportunities to grow that they would not have otherwise found."

She added that buyers would benefit from increased competition for opportunities and access to a wider range of suppliers.

The move follows Alistair Darling's pledge in this year's Budget to open up public contracts to SMEs.
The news was welcomed by the national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, John Wright.

He said: "Local authorities and government departments must play their part too by making sure that more small business opportunities are advertised on Supply2."