Key Takeaways

  • The UK’s new Procurement Act represents the biggest shift in procurement reform in a generation. 
  • Early supplier engagement is becoming central to successful procurement strategies. 
  • Transparency through pipelines, KPIs and contract data is reshaping accountability. 
  • SMEs are expected to gain greater access to public sector opportunities. 
  • Digital platforms and improved procurement systems will play a major role in implementation. 

Series 2, Episode 5: Reforming UK Procurement with Lindsay Maguire

“We’ve always wanted to focus our efforts on the early lifecycle so before you go to market, having those rich conversations with suppliers in really important”

The UK’s biggest procurement transformation in a generation is now live – but what does it really mean in practice?

In this episode of Powering Procurement, host Sian Lloyd and Gareth Burch sit down with Lindsay Maguire, Deputy Director for Procurement Reform at the UK Cabinet Office, to unpack the thinking, ambition and real-world impact behind the new Procurement Act.

Lindsay has played a central role in reshaping the UK’s post-Brexit procurement regime, championing transparency, flexibility, fair competition, and better access for SMEs.

The Thinking Behind the UK’s Procurement Reform 

Lindsay’s work spans everything from designing the new central digital platform to shifting evaluation from MEAT to MAT, embedding social value and modernising how public bodies engage with markets. 

As part of the government’s wider procurement reform agenda, these changes aim to create a procurement system that is more transparent, flexible and accessible for both buyers and suppliers. 

Together, Sian, Gareth and Lindsay explore the real-world impact of these reforms and how organisations can begin adapting to the new framework. 

What the New Procurement Act Means in Practice 

During the episode, the discussion explores several key areas of change that organisations across the UK are already beginning to experience. 

How the Procurement Act Was Shaped 

Lindsay explains how the legislation was developed and why flexibility and proportionality were critical principles behind the reforms. 

What Early Adopters Are Doing Differently 

Across the UK, some organisations are already embracing new approaches emerging from procurement reform, testing innovative ways to engage suppliers and structure procurement processes. 

The Rise of Pre-Market Engagement 

Pre-market engagement is becoming increasingly important. By speaking to suppliers earlier in the procurement lifecycle, contracting authorities can better understand market capabilities and shape more effective procurement strategies. 

The Power of Transparency 

Transparency is a core pillar of the new regime, with greater visibility around: 

  • Procurement pipelines 
  • Contract awards 
  • KPIs and contract performance 

This increased transparency aims to drive accountability while improving supplier confidence. 

Culture, Capability and Systems 

While legislation plays a major role, successful procurement reform will also depend on organisational culture, procurement capability and the systems used to manage procurement activity. 

Digital procurement platforms like Atamis can help public sector teams manage procurement pipelines, supplier engagement and contract data in line with the new regulations. 

Why Procurement Reform Matters for Public Sector Organisations 

For procurement teams, suppliers and public sector leaders, understanding the implications of procurement reform is essential. 

The changes introduced by the Procurement Act aim to: 

  • Increase competition 
  • Improve transparency 
  • Encourage innovation 
  • Open up more opportunities for SMEs 

Technology providers such as Atamis are helping organisations navigate these changes by providing tools that support modern procurement processes. 

As the procurement landscape evolves, solutions like Atamis are becoming increasingly important for organisations looking to improve visibility, compliance and supplier collaboration. 

Watch, Listen and Learn 

This insightful and future-focused episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the new procurement landscape. 

You can find the episode here: 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is procurement reform in the UK? 

Procurement reform refers to the changes introduced through the UK Procurement Act, designed to simplify public procurement rules, improve transparency and create fairer access for suppliers. 

Why is procurement reform important? 

The goal of procurement reform is to create a more flexible and transparent procurement system that delivers better outcomes for public sector organisations and taxpayers. 

How does procurement reform support SMEs? 

The reforms aim to reduce barriers for smaller suppliers by improving visibility of opportunities, simplifying procurement processes and encouraging earlier supplier engagement. 

How can organisations adapt to procurement reform? 

Organisations should review procurement processes, invest in training and consider adopting modern procurement platforms such as Atamis to support compliance and transparency. 

What role does technology play in procurement reform? 

Procurement technology platforms like Atamis help organisations manage procurement pipelines, supplier engagement and contract performance while supporting compliance with new regulations.