Upcoming changes to public sector procurement – what suppliers need to know

Public procurement law is changing. The reforms which come into place in October 2024 will shake up our outdated system and improve the way procurement is done, so that every pound goes further for our public services.

If your business supplies goods, works or services to organisations in the public and utility sectors – or hopes to do so – you need to know about the changes.

The new Procurement Act will benefit suppliers of all sizes, particularly start-ups, scale-ups and small businesses.

It will create a central digital platform for suppliers to register and store their details so that they can be used for multiple bids, and see all opportunities in one place. Simplified bidding processes will make it easier to bid, negotiate and work in partnership with the public sector.

Commercial frameworks will be more flexible, so prospective suppliers are not shut out for long periods of time. The Act will remove bureaucratic barriers and level the playing field for smaller businesses so they can compete for more contracts.

There will be prompt payment for more businesses in public sector supply chains and a stronger exclusions framework will take tougher action on underperforming suppliers.

These changes will drive innovation, deliver better outcomes and embed transparency right through the commercial lifecycle, so everyone can access procurement data and see how money is spent.

 

Further information

Video: The Procurement Act 2023: A summary guide for suppliers

Video: The Procurement Act 2023: A summary guide for SMEs and VCSEs

Video: Knowledge Drop for Suppliers part 1

Video: Knowledge Drop for Suppliers part 2

Video: Knowledge Drop for Suppliers part 3

Additional information is available from the Government Commercial Function