How has the UK Procurement Act really landed: impacts, challenges and opportunities

More than a year after the UK Procurement Act came into force, what has changed for buyers, suppliers, and bid teams? In this episode of the Optimize Podcast, Matt Light is joined by Gemma Waring, Director of G Waring Consulting, procurement consultant, trainer, and public sector tendering specialist, to explore how the Procurement Act is shaping public sector procurement in practice. Drawing on her experience supporting both procurement teams and suppliers, Gemma shares her perspective on the implementation of the Act, the opportunities it creates for bidders, and the practical steps organisations can take to prepare for the future of public sector procurement. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and welcome 01:20 – Gemma's career journey and experience across procurement and bidding 05:55 – First impressions of the Procurement Act and how expectations have evolved 10:20 – One year on: has the implementation delivered? 13:20 – How buyers and suppliers have adapted to the new legislation 18:00 – Are the reforms making public procurement more accessible for SMEs? 23:50 – Building better relationships between procurement and bidding teams 28:00 – What meaningful pre-market engagement looks like 31:20 – How suppliers can make the most of pre-market engagement 36:35 – Understanding the Competitive Flexible Procedure 41:10 – The new skills bid teams will need, from negotiation to commercial engagement 45:55 – What's next for the Procurement Act and public sector procurement? 53:50 – Quick-fire questions and Gemma's advice for bidders In this episode, you'll learn How the Procurement Act is changing public sector procurement in practice Why pre-market engagement is becoming more important than ever What the Competitive Flexible Procedure means for buyers and bidders The opportunities and challenges facing SMEs under the new legislation Why negotiation and commercial engagement are becoming essential bid skills How procurement and bidding teams can build stronger working relationships What organisations should be doing now to prepare for future changes Key Takeaways ✔ Build relationships with buyers before opportunities are released. ✔ Focus on meaningful pre-market engagement rather than simply attending supplier events. ✔ Develop negotiation and commercial skills alongside traditional bid writing expertise. ✔ Understand how your key customers are implementing the Procurement Act. ✔ Treat the Procurement Act as an opportunity to become more strategic, not just more compliant. Featured Guest Gemma Waring is Director of G Waring Consulting, a procurement consultant, trainer and public sector tendering specialist. She works with both buyers and suppliers, helping organisations improve procurement, bidding and commercial performance through consultancy and training. Resources Mentioned UK Procurement ActNational Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS)Competitive Flexible ProcedureAPMP UK ChapterG Waring ConsultingVisibleThread Connect Follow Gemma Waring and Matt Light on LinkedIn for more insights on public sector procurement, bidding and business development.