Public procurement plays a vital role in driving innovation, strengthening supply chains and supporting economic growth across the UK. With the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023 and the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS), public authorities are being encouraged to take a more flexible and strategic approach.

This includes engaging early with suppliers, opening opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises, and using procurement to deliver wider social, economic and environmental benefits. 

Our research briefs examine how these ambitions can be realised in practice. It is presented in two parts: 

• Part 1: Policy Priorities under the Procurement Act 2023 
• Part 2: Lessons for the Procurement Act 2023 from implementation of the Social Value Act 2012 

Transforming UK Public Procurement in the Post-Brexit era: Part 1

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Transforming UK Public Procurement in the Post-Brexit era: Part 2

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Together, these sections explore the key policy goals of the new procurement regime and draw practical lessons from the Social Value Act 2012. The research considers how insights from past reforms can inform the transformation of public procurement practices and capabilities in the post-Brexit era. 

The brief identifies five main lessons to support successful implementation of the Procurement Act 2023: 

• Appoint Champions: Identify individuals to lead and advocate for the policy priorities within their organisations. 
• Develop Political Skills: Equip these champions to influence, educate and secure buy-in from colleagues and decision-makers. 
• Build Supporting Infrastructure: Provide policies, toolkits and training to help procurement teams embed the reforms. 
• Learn from Practice Leaders: Encourage sharing of good practice from authorities leading the way. 
• Collaborate: Enable smaller authorities to work together, share resources and jointly deliver projects.