Procurement Act 2023

Complete Guide to the Procurement Act 2023

Complete Guide to the Procurement Act 2023

Procurement plays a vital role in the effective functioning of the public and private sectors. To ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency, governments across the world periodically revise their procurement frameworks. In the United Kingdom, the Procurement Act 2023 represents a significant step forward in modernising and streamlining procurement processes.

On 24 February 2025, The Procurement Act 2023 will go into effect. For organisations and suppliers, understanding and adapting to this new framework will be essential to thrive in the evolving procurement landscape.

The Procurement Act 2023 Explained

When the UK departed from the European Union in 2020, the government embarked on a new path for trade. Their objective was to establish a system that is simpler, more adaptable, and more closely aligned with the UK’s commercial aspirations while maintaining global commitments and compliance.

The Procurement Act 2023 marks a pivotal shift in procurement practices, focusing on modernising and enhancing the efficiency of procurement processes.

The Act applies to all public sector bodies, including central and local governments, as well as utilities and other entities undertaking public procurement.

Has the Procurement Act 2023 been delayed?

Yes, the Procurement Act 2023 has been delayed. It was originally set to go live in October 2024. The below details a complete timeline of events:

  • May 2022: A draft of the Procurement Bill was published by the government.
  • December 2022: The Procurement Bill was passed by the House of Lords.
  • October 2023: The Act received Royal Assent on 26 October.
  • October 2024: The Act was scheduled to go live on 28 October, with a 6 month notice period before implementation started. This was postponed.
  • February 2025: The new date was revealed to be 24 February.

The government stated the delay was because they needed additional time to deliver a smoother transition and effective implementation for both contractors and suppliers across the UK.

Procurement Act 2023: What’s New?

With the Procurement Act 2023 set to go live on 24 February 2025, what are the key changes that we need to be aware of?

Contracts can be awarded on non-financial criteria

One of the biggest changes is that contracting authorities are to select the Most Advantageous Tender, not just the cheapest. This allows them to consider a wider variety of factors, including quality, innovation, and environmental impact.

More support for SMEs and local business

The Act also witnesses an introduction of measures supporting both local businesses as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. Primarily, contracting authorities will be able to reserve contracts for these businesses and will be obligated to consider them more often throughout the procurement process.

An enhancement in transparency will allow SMEs and local businesses to bid more successfully in the process.

Promoting national priority outcomes

A large focus of the Act concerns the promotion of national priority outcomes, which include the creation of new jobs, new skills, tackling of climate change, and the reduction of waste.

With public sector buyers now legally obliged to award contracts based on Most Advantageous Tender, broader community benefits can now be considered.

Significance of transparency

The importance of transparency has been highlighted throughout the Act, with significant change aimed at ensuring a better value for taxpayer money.

Public authorities will now need to set up and publish 3 key performance indicators (KPIs) for any contracts that exceed £5 million. These KPIs will help track supplier performance throughout the contract.

Who does the Procurement Act 2023 impact?

When it comes into effect, the impact of the Procurement Act 2023 be felt across the UK for various stakeholders.

  • Public sector organisations must familiarise themselves with the new framework, update policies, and invest in training staff to ensure compliance.
  • SMEs will be presented with new opportunities, a simplifying of the registration processes, and promotion of fair competition.
  • Suppliers should align their bids with the Act’s focus on social value and innovation.

Introduction of a Central Digital Platform

Alongside the Procurement Act 2023 coming into effect is the introduction of a new Central Digital Platform. This is a single online platform that will allow suppliers to register their business details, and for private sector bodies to publish notices and documents.

The goal of the platform is to make it easier to find and bid for contracts, as well as:

  • Improve transparency
  • Reduce duplication
  • Improve data quality

The new features and functionality of this will be built into the existing Find a Tender service portal as of 24 February 2025. You will, however, need to re-register and enter your organisation information.

Joe Gallagher

With 19 years of experience and over 500,000 square ft of CAT B office fit-outs delivered in London’s most prestigious locations, Joe Gallagher is our CAT B fit-out project lead. His portfolio reflects over £110 million worth of commercial office fit-outs for customers ranging from banks, media brands, and tech companies to developers and management consultants.

Learning and Development

We believe continued learning and development is crucial to our team’s everyday needs. Our internal L&D system, Willmott Dixon University, supports a wide range of courses for all of our people to ensure they are best-equipped to perform well in their job roles.

We are able to offer unlimited opportunities to those with the ambition to take their career to the next level and work in a stimulating environment. By offering 4 levels of management development programmes, we are able to provide the skills you need to help reach your potential.

Pension and Life Assurance

We strongly value your future and want to help you save for it, that is why we will contribute by 6% of your pension and you will be protected by Willmott Dixon Interiors Life Assurance Scheme (more details to come when joining).

Flexible Working & More

The best is yet to come! We give you a day off for your birthday (without using your holiday entitlement), early leave every Friday, dress down Friday once a month, Summer and Christmas events, and more. We have ambitions to be an employer of choice for those who either want to or need to work in a flexible and agile way. Experience it all when joining our team, we are looking forward to getting to know you.

Salary and Profit Share

At Willmott Dixon Interiors we are proud of our people and sincerely believe that our success depends on them and their skills. We reflect our gratitude in the highly competitive salary we offer and review every year. In addition, we will thank you for your hard work with the percentage of our annual profit (subject to certain criteria) to the scope of reflecting our ‘one team’ nature.

Private Health Care

We value your health care and wellbeing and that is why we offer free or discounted private health care that will avoid you NHS long waiting lists.

Loyalty Rewards

After five years with us, you’ll join our 5-9 Year Club and celebrate annually with the other members. After reaching 10 years, you will join the prestigious Willmott Dixon 10 Year Club and celebrate along with Rick Willmott.

Work Experience

We are supported by a trusted supply chain, guaranteeing the use of high-quality materials, and ensuring timely project execution. Our long-standing relationships allow us to deliver excellence on every project.

Technical Apprentice Programme

Apprenticeships are a great route into construction. At Willmott Dixon, apprenticeships are available in our business support teams and also through our supply chain partners or our sister company, Fortem, in trade disciplines such as bricklaying.

We offer some entry level positions for those who are looking to take their first steps into construction. With a paid apprenticeship you will earn while you learn and obtain a Level 3 qualification. You can apply following GCSEs; you don’t to have a construction background to complete an apprenticeship.

Management Development

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Professional Qualifications

We believe that our teams should continue to have ongoing development both in and out of construction and are committed to assisting them in becoming qualified within a professional qualification of their choice.

A HERITAGE OF TRUST AND RELIABILITY

Backed by over 172 years of success, Willmott Dixon Interiors is part of one of the UK’s most established construction companies. Our long-standing reputation means you can trust us to deliver with the highest standards of quality, and that you are partnering with a company that is secure and dependable, especially in an industry where financial stability is crucial for project success.

Why we do it

By keeping buildings alive, we preserve their history while ensuring they remain relevant, sustainable, and functional in a changing world. Our work is about more than just refurbishment—it’s about creating spaces that inspire, support communities, and provide lasting value.

Let’s work together to transform spaces, ensuring they stand the test of time while meeting the needs of today and the future.

TRANSPARENT AND RELIABLE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

We prioritise on-time and within-budget delivery. Our clear communication and proactive approach ensure that you stay informed throughout the project, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.

PROVEN EXPERTISE

With extensive experience in the commercial fit-out market, we understand how to deliver projects that meet your unique needs. Our team has completed a wide range of traditional and design & build, high-quality fit-outs across multiple sectors.

SEAMLESS DESIGN AND BUILD DELIVERY

If required our integrated design and build services can streamline the process from RIBA Stage 2 or 3 to completion, saving you time and effort. With in-house design capabilities and relationships with external design partners across all disciplines it gives us full flexibility to develop a tailored approach for each project.

COMMITMENT TO LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS

We believe in building relationships based on trust, performance, and transparent communication. Our goal is to create long term partners, ensuring that every project we deliver contributes to your ongoing success.

SUSTAINABILITY

Our dedicated in-house team ensures that every project aligns with our ambitious sustainability goals. As a business, we are committed to achieving a net-zero status by 2030, and we hold ourselves accountable at every stage of our operations. From minimising waste through innovative recycling programs to selecting sustainable materials and incorporating energy-efficient practices, we focus on reducing environmental impact.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

From our appointment to the final handover, we focus on creating office environments that not only meet but exceed your expectations. Our attention to detail ensures that your space is functional, beautiful, and aligned with your business goals.

TRUSTED TEAM AND SUPPLY CHAIN

We are supported by a trusted supply chain, guaranteeing the use of high-quality materials, and ensuring timely project execution. Our long-standing relationships allow us to deliver excellence on every project.

How we work

Our process

What we do

We specialise in the fit-out and refurbishment of buildings across multiple sectors, from offices and healthcare facilities to hotels, retail, and secure environments. Whether it’s breathing new life into a heritage building, modernising commercial spaces, or ensuring critical environments remain fully operational during works, we are committed to delivering projects with precision and care.

Key areas of focus:

A trusted team and supply chain: Our people are what make us stand out. From project managers to site teams, we bring a wealth of experience and a proactive approach to every project. We also support our supply chain partners with a 28-day payment term and a commitment to fair treatment, ensuring high-quality materials and timely execution.

Seamless design and build delivery: If required, our integrated design and build services streamline the process from RIBA Stage 2 or 3 to completion, saving you time and effort.

Live environment expertise: We excel in delivering projects in occupied and secure environments with minimal disruption, ensuring business continuity and safety.

Long-Term partnerships: We believe in building relationships based on trust, performance, and transparent communication, ensuring every project we deliver contributes to your ongoing success. Many of our customers return to us time and time again, a testament to our commitment to quality and service.

Attention to detail: From appointment to final handover, we focus on creating environments that not only meet but exceed expectations. Our rigorous quality assurance processes ensure every element of a project is delivered with precision.

Sustainable refurbishments: We pledge to be net-zero operational carbon by 2030 and have a net-zero supply chain by 2040. Our projects focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the use of sustainable materials.

How we do it

A heritage of trust and reliability: With over 172 years of success, Willmott Dixon Interiors is part of one of the UK’s most established construction companies. Our long-standing reputation means you can trust us to deliver with the highest standards of quality, and that you are partnering with a company that is secure and dependable, especially in an industry where financial stability is crucial for project success.

Transparent and reliable project management: We prioritise on-time and within-budget delivery. Our clear communication and proactive approach ensure that you stay informed throughout the project, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.

End-to-end project management: From feasibility studies to design and delivery, our expertise ensures projects run smoothly, on time, and within budget.

Expert procurement support: We simplify the tender process and guide customers through procurement frameworks, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

Sustainability-focused solutions: With a dedicated in-house team, we align every project with our ambitious sustainability goals, minimising waste and integrating energy-efficient solutions.

 

Holidays

We commit everyday to promoting a healthy work/life balance that matches a competitive holiday allowance, the longer you stay the more you get. 

If the holidays allowance isn’t enough, you can take advantage of buying extra holiday entitlement each year.