Procurement Act 2023 - Supplier Information
The Act will reform the UK’s public procurement regime. This will make it quicker, simpler, more transparent and better able to meet the UK’s needs while remaining compliant with our international obligations.
The new regime is based on value for money, competition and objective criteria in decision-making. It more effectively opens up public procurement to new entrants such as small businesses and social enterprises so that they can compete for and win more public contracts.
It strengthens the approach to excluding suppliers where there is clear evidence of their involvement in Modern Slavery practices, and running throughout each part of the Act is the theme of transparency.
For more information on the Procurement Act please see:
- The Procurement Act - a summary guide
- Transforming Public Procurement has set up a dedicated supplier page where you can access videos and associated users guides.
Things you need to know
- The introduction of the Central Digital Platform which is an enhanced version of the Find a Tender service.
- Importantly there are new registration requirements: All suppliers must register and maintain accurate profiles on the Central Digital Platform (registration begins on 24th February 2025).
- Contracts Finder will not be used for PA23.
- We continue to operate through the ‘Supplying the South West’ Procurement Portal using the ProContract software.
- This platform will remain the primary tool for tendering and managing contracts.
Things you need to do if you want to be a supplier to the Council
- Register on the Central Digital Platform: Ensure your organisation is registered and ready to access opportunities when the platform goes live.
- Even if you are already registered on the Find a Tender Service, you will need to register still on the new Central Digital Platform. Supplier registration on the Central Digital Platform is similar to completing a pre-qualification questionnaire and will require time to gather the required information. Further FAQs are summed up via Central Digital Platform Fact Sheet provided by Transforming Public Procurement.
- Get your Supplier Information up to date: Maintain accurate and complete information on the platform to avoid delays in contract opportunities.
Keeping you informed
Below are our latest newsletters which will provide useful information updates.
Read our newsletters to suppliers
Supplier induction pack
How to do business with us
If you are interested in doing business with the Council, here are some useful tips.