Kent business leaders have called on the government to award more public sector contracts to small firms to help the economy and local communities.

A survey by the Federation of Small Businesses, the Confederation of British Industry and the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association has revealed that nearly three quarters of small to medium enterprises rarely or never bid for government contracts, such as building, refurbishment, sign-writing or printing.

It found that the firms had virtually given up winning the contracts, finding the whole procedure too difficult, with complicated and time-consuming tendering processes.

Debasish Sen, FSB procurement spokesman and vice chairman for the Kent and Medway Region, said: "Small businesses offer great value to communities and by using them, money is kept within the local economy.

"However, small businesses face significant barriers and are not always given a fair chance to compete against larger companies.

"Small businesses should be made aware of the practical steps they need to take to improve their bids. But without government support, small businesses are put at a disadvantage.

"We need to see actions implemented so we can ensure that SMEs are represented fairly when tendering for government contracts."

Some 500 firms took part in the survey.

The FSB has 7,000 members in Kent and Medway.