Last updated:
17th March 2025
Procurement regulations
New public sector procurement regulations for 2025
A guide for businesses
A new set of procurement regulations have been introduced and are known as 'The Procurement Act 2023.' The rules applied from 24 February 2025.
The new regulations change how public procurements are carried out to improve the way supplies, services and works are procured in the public sector. The legislation does not apply to procurement undertaken by non-public sector companies.
The key aims of the legislation is to:
- Create a simpler and more flexible, commercial system that makes it easier for suppliers and government authorities
- Open up public procurement to new entrants such as small businesses and social enterprises so that they can compete for and win more public contracts
- Embed transparency throughout the commercial lifecycle so that the spending of taxpayers’ money can be properly scrutinised and there will be better visibility of opportunities
One-stop shop for tenders
A one-stop shop for tenders has been developed on the Central Digital Platform called Find a Tender. You'll be able to find all opportunities in one place and you’ll only need to register your details once for use in any bids.
Read the Government Commercial Function factsheet (PDF) to find out more.
Want to know more?
The Cabinet office have published a guide for suppliers where you can find out more information. This guide provides information on what you need to do and signposts you to a series of Knowledge Drops for suppliers, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs.) The guides are designed to provide a high-level overview of the changes to the procurement regulations.
The Cabinet office recently ran two webinars for suppliers and other external organisations. The sessions focused primarily on what the key changes are and how the central digital platform works (featuring a live demonstration.)
