With £220bn of public sector work awarded each year, the course Winning the Contract explains the procurement process and demonstrates how to submit tenders.

The course was first launched in 2007 and cost £49.99, but following a review has been refreshed and made available to all at no charge.

It takes up to four hours to complete, but this can be done in stages, as time becomes available, and includes a helpful hints and tips guide as well as information on where to find public sector contracts.

Launching the course today, Trade, Investment and Small Business Minister Lord Davies said: "Small and medium-sized businesses already sell their goods and services to the public sector, but many more could do so. Opening up public sector procurement to a wider range of suppliers provides new opportunities for small businesses as the UK economy heads towards growth."

Businesses can register to access the Winning the Contract course by clicking through to learndirect on the Business Link website.