Image of Houses of Parliament with text asking 'Do you bid for contracts? Get ready for the new Procurement Act changes in February'

Navigating the New Procurement Act: How Upcoming Changes Will Affect Future Bids

Published 8 January 2025. Updated 10 January 2025

The UK’s procurement landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023.

Scheduled to take effect from 24 February 2025, this new legislation is set to reshape the way public sector contracts are awarded and managed. If your business is looking to secure more public sector work, these changes present both opportunities and challenges. Understanding them is crucial to staying ahead of the competition.

At Heku we specialise in helping businesses like yours navigate the complexities of bid writing and procurement. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming changes and how they will affect your approach to bidding.

What’s Changing?

The Procurement Act aims to simplify and modernise the procurement process while prioritising value for money, social impact, and increased competition. Key changes include:

Procurement Framework The Act consolidates existing regulations into a single, unified framework. This simplification reduces the complexity of the bidding process, making it easier for suppliers – particularly SMEs – to engage with public sector opportunities.
Enhanced Transparency A new emphasis on transparency will give suppliers greater access to information about procurement decisions and future opportunities. This levels the playing field and allows businesses to better plan and prepare their bids.
Introduction of a Central Digital Platform A centralised digital platform will streamline the bidding process, allowing suppliers to register once and store core business details that can be used for multiple opportunities across the public sector. This will reduce administrative burdens and make it easier to track and respond to tenders.
Fostering Competition The Act aims to open up the market to new entrants, encouraging innovation and ensuring better value for public money. While this is great for the public sector, it means increased competition for suppliers.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

While these changes are designed to make the procurement process more accessible, they also mean that the expectations placed on suppliers will evolve. To succeed in this new environment, businesses need to:

Focus on Quality and Differentiation: As competition increases, the need to stand out with high-quality, persuasive bids is paramount. Tailoring your proposals to the specific needs of the contracting authority will be critical.
Stay Informed: Keeping up with the latest procurement opportunities and understanding the priorities of contracting authorities will give you a strategic edge.
Streamline Your Processes: With the introduction of the centralised digital platform, having well-organised, reusable content for bids will save time and ensure consistency in your submissions.

In addition to the price and quality aspects of a bid, contracting authorities will continue to require bidders to deliver social value elements. This means that showcasing how your business can deliver broader societal benefits, such as job creation, sustainability, or supporting local communities, will be as important as ever. Including clear, measurable outcomes that align with public sector goals will make your bids more competitive.

How Heku Can Help

Navigating these changes can be daunting, but that’s where we come in. At Heku, we are experts in bid writing and procurement strategy. Here’s how we can help:

Bid Writing and Review: We will craft compelling, tailored bids that align with the new procurement priorities, ensuring your submissions stand out.
Social Value Strategies: Our team can help you identify and articulate the social impact of your business, giving you a competitive edge.
Training and Support: We offer workshops and one-on-one support to help your team understand the new regulations and improve your internal bidding processes.
Market Insights: With our finger on the pulse of the latest procurement trends, we will help you stay ahead of the curve.

Take the First Step

The changes arising from the Procurement Act represent a fresh start for public sector procurement, but also requires businesses to adapt and innovate.

By partnering with Heku, you can ensure your bids are not only compliant but also compelling, giving you the best chance of success.

Ready to take your bid writing to the next level? Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you win more public sector contracts.

Stay ahead of the competition and turn the Procurement Act changes into an opportunity for growth. Let’s win together!