“Getting your procurement officers involved and getting your procurement noise involved at the very early stage usually means your overall program is usually quicker, better, less likely to lead to challenges later down the line.”

In this episode of Powering Procurement, we’re joined by Tomos Lewis, Partner at Blake Morgan, who brings a grounded, real-world legal perspective to one of the most complex and evolving areas in the profession.

Tomos’ journey into procurement law didn’t follow a typical path. From learning the basics the night before an interview to advising NHS England on nationally critical projects from day one, his story highlights just how dynamic and impactful this field can be.

We explore what procurement law actually looks like in practice, beyond policy documents and theory. Tomos shares how legal and procurement teams work together across major public sector projects, and why early involvement is often the difference between smooth delivery and costly delays.

The conversation dives into the Procurement Act 2023 and what it really means for organisations on the ground. From increased flexibility to new challenges around documentation, transparency, and capability, Tomos offers a clear and pragmatic view of how the changes are playing out.

We also take a closer look at the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act and what it means for Welsh organisations, including the growing role of procurement in delivering wider social, environmental, and economic outcomes.

AI is another key theme, with Tomos sharing where it can genuinely add value across the procurement lifecycle, and where the risks start to outweigh the benefits, particularly when it comes to evaluation and accountability.

This episode is packed with insight for procurement professionals, leaders, and anyone navigating change in the sector. It is a reminder that procurement is not just a process to follow, but a powerful tool that, when used well, can drive meaningful impact.

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