We help local authorities, government departments, state-owned companies, other public bodies and suppliers stay compliant and challenge outcomes when it comes to public procurement.
Public procurement relates to the process whereby governments and state-owned companies purchase goods, services or works. Whilst there exists a great deal of guidance and legislation concerning procurement policy, the simple, overriding requirement is that all public procurement must, with some exceptions, be based on value for money, and achieved through fair and healthy competition.
The legal landscape governing public procurement is in the process of change. The Procurement Bill is currently in the process of making its way through Parliament, following a Green Paper and subsequent consultation response. The Bill is likely to become law in 2023, and the government considers that it will make the public procurement regime “quicker, simpler, more transparent and better able to meet the UK’s needs…”. Whilst it remains to be seen exactly how the legal landscape will change, our team is on hand to guide you through the forthcoming changes to the regulatory environment.
Given the team’s expertise, we are well positioned to assist in guiding you through any changes in the process to ensure all regulations are strictly adhered to. We can also help suppliers or unhappy bidders when they wish to challenge outcomes.
Our clients range from local authorities and public bodies to small start-up suppliers, as well as large, well-known international firms, firms involved in research and development, education institutions, charities, and organisations involved in infrastructure development. We understand public procurement issues and opportunities from both sides of the coin so are well placed to help you.
Members of our expert team have:
Our number one tip for clients is to contact us at the earliest opportunity since limitation periods (the time limit in which to bring a court claim) in procurement are amongst the shortest in civil proceedings generally.