The government set trade rules and various other aspects of business operations. Firms turn to them for guidance and regulation.

However, since 75% of the UK population believes the government should focus more on providing better conditions for businesses to thrive, more work might be needed to establish greater trust and cohesion between both parties.

It’s easy to blame the government for everything that goes wrong. While they deserve much of the criticism they receive, it’s also true that UK firms could also be doing more to establish better synergy between rule followers and rule makers. After all, everybody is on the same team.

What can businesses do here? We think there are a few worthy avenues to explore, and we’ve listed them for you below.

Pursue Public Sector Tenders

Public sector tenders are contracts set out by government agencies that firms must bid for. Every organisation needs suppliers and vendors, and those related to policy development are no exception.

You can explore these innovative possibilities with Supply2Gov, as they work hard to maintain an extensive database of rich public sector tender opportunities. You can sign up with them for free access, and they will help you grow your business effectively with the most relevant contracts for your circumstances. They also have a user-friendly tender alert service, ensuring the process is as simple and transparent as possible.

The great thing about public sector tenders is a revenue stream, creating a more trusting working relationship between your company and government representatives. You’ll be paid on time every time. Considering many business partners can try to relentlessly persuade you or look for leverage against you for better deals, a comfortable contract with a government agent is a far smoother process.

More often than not, public sector tenders are built around longer-term contracts, offering yet more stability with resource allocation and financial planning. Public and social welfare initiatives tend to be the subject of them as well, so you can typically be confident that your firm will make a real difference in communities by partaking.

Establish Stronger Ties with Local Government

Not all regulations and policies come directly from the cabinet office. Local councils and government representatives can also influence the conditions firms have to work in.

Therefore, it makes sense to try and have a presence at the local level of government too. Before trying to get involved, you must be well-informed first. That way, you won’t be misguided in your efforts, and you’ll be far more likely to influence positive change rather than annoy those you’re attempting to impress.

Understand how local government works. Research all the relevant bodies in your area, whether they’re individual departments of the local council or the overarching responsibilities of the mayor’s office. Learn who the economic development and business liaison officers are and the track record of key councillors. Familiarise yourself with the decision-makers and why so you know who to lobby and who to leave alone. They may even host local networking events or public meetings, so attend if possible.

A track record of local involvement will likely work in your favour too. Have you joined any local business associations? Do you work with local services and source your good from organisations in your area? If you’ve played a part in facilitating local business and strengthening local supply chains, your contributions to the area’s prospects and economy surely can’t be ignored. Government representatives and councillors will want to hear from you.

Investigate Sector-Specific Advisory Positions

The government doesn’t always take an insular approach to problem-solving. They’ll often draw on the data and expertise of the sectors they’re trying to help.

Of course, they’ll only get these crucial insights if cooperation is guaranteed. Therefore, by signing up for sector-specific advisory positions, you could position yourself and your business as part of these efforts. That way, you can provide expertise and influence decision-making processes for your business and the wider industry.

Policies aren’t implemented at random. While they can be misguided in some situations, businesses often try to fight back and provide better alternative solutions to act upon. Things may not always go your way, but you can hold your head high as long as you’re part of a more productive dialogue on these issues.

Numerous government bodies should have open positions on their councils and boards relevant to you. A good way to increase the likelihood of entry is to network extensively and hope that your connections may already be involved in these advisory positions. They can inform you of potential opportunities or introduce you to key figures in the process. Attend conferences and seminars to get started.

Conclusion

We’ve suggested a few ways to help your firm work more closely with government entities and officials. As you can see, the more proactive you are here, the better. You have an important role in these proceedings, whether bidding for contracts, researching local officials and initiatives, networking extensively, or taking on advisory roles. Be part of the change you want to see rather than expecting something for nothing.