Breaking Down
The Procurement Act 2023
Following the UK's withdrawal from the EU, public procurement is transforming. The Procurement Act 2023, which launched 24 February 2025, introduces various advantages to streamline and enhance the overall procurement system.
At ESPO, we've used our 40 years of expertise to proactively prepare our frameworks in ensuring seamless continuity for our customers, regardless of the new regulatory environment.
View our latest updates here.
Supporting Our Customers
At ESPO, our expert procurement teams have worked tirelessly to ensure our customers continue to purchase from our catalogue and access frameworks as normal, safe in the knowledge that our processes are compliant with relevant UK legislation both before and after the new Act's launch date - 24 February 2025.
Using Frameworks Under the New Regime
The good news for our customers is that ESPO frameworks will operate largely as they do now under the new regime, offering a fully compliant, low-risk route for your procurement. As well as being free to access and providing great value for money, you can rest assured that you're covered even if the framework duration goes past the start date of the new Act.
The Procurement Act 2023 is designed to bring multiple benefits to procurement practices; however, there are additional requirements contracting authorities need to understand and comply with, including increased transparency. Authorities will now need to publish additional notices on the Find a Tender service when awarding a contract under a framework agreement:
- Contract Award Notice: informing the market that an authority intends to enter into a contract.
- Contract Details Notice: providing detail of the contract award. Where the value of this contract is above £5m, the authority is also required to publish a copy of the contract alongside this notice. Published 90 days post-award.
- Contract Performance Notice: publishing information relating to the Key Performance Indicators set for monitoring contract performance. Published at least once every 12 months during the contract period. This is only required where the value of the contract exceeds £5m.
- Contract Change Notice: required where an authority intends to make a modification to the contract.
- Contract Termination Notice: to inform the market that a contract has been terminated or has expired.
ESPO's dedicated team of procurement professionals are on hand to signpost relevant training and support customers may find helpful as they navigate their understanding of the new rules. Find out more about what the Act means for ESPO framework users.
Supporting Our Suppliers
The new regime has introduced changes to both the procurement and contract management process. ESPO is committed to supporting suppliers in embracing these changes when bidding for our opportunities:
The Central Digital Platform
The Procurement Act 2023 introduces a new central digital platform for suppliers to register and store their details. This platform will be used by all buying authorities, meaning that it can be used for multiple bids and suppliers will be able to see all opportunities in one place.
Contract Performance
The Act’s transparency requirements extend to the management of the contract post-award. One of the key changes is the requirement for authorities to publish an annual report of a supplier’s performance against KPIs for all contracts above £5m.
Find out more information for ESPO suppliers; if you're an SME, please see dedicated information here.
"Overall, The Procurement Act 2023 brings good benefits to both buyers and suppliers, with a strong focus on the issues that are important to both communities. By embracing these changes, we can continue to foster fair competition, promote supplier diversity, support enhanced transparency, and ensure accountability. I have no doubt that there will be challenges ahead as we make plans to transition and bed down the new ways of working, but this is tempered somewhat by the confidence that I have in ESPO’s team. This group of procurement and commercial professionals have worked tirelessly to ensure that we continue to provide effective procurement solutions that our customers expect.”
Maurice Campbell
Procurement and Commercial Director
Benefits of The Procurement Act 2023
The Act represents transformation, not disruption, and ESPO is your strategic partner in this critical regulatory evolution.
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Creating a simpler and more flexible commercial system to align with international obligations. |
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Increasing inclusivity by allowing small businesses and social enterprises to compete for public contracts. |
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Implementing stricter measures against underperforming suppliers and excluding those with unacceptable risks. |
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Ensuring transparency in the entire commercial lifecycle to enable proper scrutiny of taxpayers' money. |
At ESPO, our commitment is to assist the public sector with effective procurement solutions that are simple and efficient. Rest assured, you can still access all of our frameworks knowing that we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. We stay proactive in adapting to any changes, allowing you to focus on your priorities – procurement done properly.
View our frameworks here.
