Procurement Act 2023 & SHG Suppliers

Are you ready for go-live on 24 February 2025?

The Procurement Act 2023 is the largest overhaul of procurement regulations in a generation and is mandatory for all public contracting authorities. It aims to bring great benefits to both the public sector and suppliers, drive innovation, deliver better outcomes and embed transparency right through the commercial lifecycle, so everyone can access procurement data and see how public money is spent.

 

What is this designed to do?
  • Boost transparency
  • Create more flexible procurement processes, aligned to the marketplace, product or service
  • Increase supplier engagement
  • Help level the playing field for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises
  • Strengthen provisions for prompt payments
  • Create more flexible commercial frameworks, giving suppliers improved access
  • Develop compliance and complaints processes and consideration of national security and debarment issues
  • Simplify the bidding process with a new central digital platform, so suppliers can register their details once for multiple bids, find a tender and see all opportunities in one place 
Why these changes matter to you:
  • This is a pivotal time for anyone involved in public sector procurement. 
  • Understanding the changes can position you to take full advantage of the new processes which will apply to all new procurement opportunities published on or after 24 February 2025. 
  • As a supplier, you need to prepare for this significant change. 
  • Below are some useful resources to help you prepare.
Resources

Familiarise yourself with the Act and the changes you will need to make with these useful resources.

See here

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

This animation for SMEs and VCSEs summarises the new Procurement Act, next steps and timelines, outlines the support which will be made available, and suggestions for initial steps to help prepare.

The Procurement Act 2023 Video 3: A video message from Gareth Rhys Williams, Government Chief Commercial Officer.

This video message for suppliers summarises the new Procurement Act, next steps and timelines, outlines the support which will be made available, and makes suggestions for initial steps to help prepare.

Find a Tender, the Central Digital Platform

Is where all UK contracting authorities publish information relating to procurement. The Central Digital Platform is an online portal which will make it easier for suppliers to find and bid for contracts, and for buyers to meet their transparency commitments under the Procurement Act 2023.

Guides

Procurement Act 2023 short guides

The Cabinet Office has released a series of short guides, videos and animations on the key benefits of the Procurement Act, covering timelines and suggested considerations and next steps for Contracting Authorities and Suppliers, which can be accessed here

Guides