The UK Procurement Act 2023 is a significant piece of legislation that aims to reform public procurement in the United Kingdom. It introduces several key changes, including:
- Simplified procedures: The Act simplifies the tendering process, making it easier for businesses to bid for public contracts.
- Increased flexibility: There's more flexibility in how public bodies can design tenders, potentially opening up new opportunities for businesses.
- Focus on value: The Act emphasises the importance of value for money, meaning that price isn't the only factor considered.
- Transparency: There's a stronger focus on transparency in the procurement process, ensuring that everyone knows the rules and has a fair chance to bid.
- Central digital platform: A new digital platform will be introduced for suppliers to register and store their details, making it easier for them to find and bid on opportunities.
The New UK Procurement Act: What Builders Need to Know
Key changes:
- Simplified procedures: The new Act simplifies the tendering process, reducing bureaucracy and making it easier for builders to bid for public contracts.
- Increased flexibility: There's more flexibility in how public bodies can design tenders, potentially opening up new opportunities for builders.
- Focus on value: The Act emphasises the importance of value for money, meaning that price isn't the only factor considered.
- Transparency: There's a stronger focus on transparency in the procurement process, ensuring that everyone knows the rules and has a fair chance to bid.
What does this mean for you?
- More opportunities: The simplified process and increased flexibility could mean more opportunities for builders to win public contracts.
- Focus on quality: Be prepared to demonstrate the value your work brings, not just its cost.
In essence, the new Procurement Act is designed to make it easier for businesses to work with public bodies.
Where can I find out more information?
The South East Consortium (a framework provider for a number of public bodies across the South East and London) is holding a webinar on 24 October for those interested in bidding for public sector work.
For more information visit their website or contact David Smith, Director of Strategic Partnerships via david.smith@southeastconsortium.org.uk.
Authors
Iain Kirtley
With over 20 years’ experience of membership bodies, not for profit organisations and the private sector, Iain joined the FMB in August 2023 from the Chartered Institute of Building where he worked with construction companies of all sizes to support them with training, development and accreditation.
