New Procurement Legislation

Understanding the United Kingdom's New Public Procurement Legislation

The United Kingdom is launching new procurement legislation on 24 February 2025 that is designed to modernise and simplify the way public sector contracts are awarded. This significant reform affects how goods, services, and works are procured, placing greater emphasis on transparency, value for money, and opportunities for SME's.

Key Features of the New Legislation

Simplified Procurement Processes: The new system reduces administrative burdens for suppliers, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to participate in public sector bidding.
Transparency and Fairness: Enhanced requirements ensure that procurement processes are more transparent, providing equal opportunities for all suppliers.
Focus on Value Beyond Price: Contracts will now consider social, environmental, and economic benefits in addition to cost.

What This Means for Suppliers

The changes open up new opportunities for suppliers to engage with public sector buyers:

Easier Access to Opportunities: A streamlined process ensures that suppliers spend less time on paperwork and more time delivering quality goods and services.
Fairer Competition: The emphasis on transparency ensures a level playing field for businesses of all sizes.
Broader Evaluation Criteria: Suppliers can showcase how their Organisation can deliver value through innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

The New National Procurement System: Opportunities for Breckland Suppliers

A cornerstone of this reform is the introduction of a new national procurement system designed to foster greater inclusivity for SME's. This system could provide significant advantages for suppliers across Breckland:

Direct Access to Local Contracts: Where possible, Breckland Council is committed to sourcing more goods and services from within the district, ensuring that local businesses have the opportunity to bid for relevant contracts.
Keeping Wealth Local: By awarding contracts to local suppliers, Breckland Council helps stimulate the local economy, supporting jobs and businesses within the district.
Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Tailored support and simpler processes enable SMEs to compete effectively for council contracts on a level playing field.

Benefits to the Breckland Community

This new approach to public procurement is designed not only to benefit suppliers but also to enhance the well-being of the Breckland community:

Economic Growth: Increased local procurement opportunities boosts the district's economy by keeping spending within the community.
Sustainability: Procuring locally reduces transportation needs, contributing to our WorkingSmarter2035 sustainability programme.
Stronger Communities: Supporting local businesses fosters community pride and resilience.

How to Get Involved

Suppliers in Breckland are encouraged to explore the new opportunities provided by this legislation. Breckland Council's Procurement Team are on hand to guide businesses through the new procurement processes and advise them on the preparation of competitive bids.

For more information contact our procurement team at procurement@breckland.gov.uk.

You can also find out more on the Government's new procurement legislation on The Procurement Act 2023: A short guide for suppliers (HTML) - GOV.UK and by visiting a dedicated supplier page Transforming Public Procurement - information and guidance for suppliers, where you will be able to access videos and also find links to the associated user manuals.

From 24th February, all existing and new suppliers who wish to compete for Breckland Council contracts and those across the wider public sector, must register on the Government's Central Digital Platform. There are useful videos on how to complete this process using the links below: