The Procurement Act 2023: What It Means for Education Suppliers
The Procurement Act 2023 is set to bring major changes to how state schools, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), and local authorities purchase goods and services. Coming into force on 24 February 2025, the Act introduces new digital procurement processes aimed at increasing transparency, efficiency, and fairness in public sector purchasing.
For education suppliers, this means adapting to a new way of securing contracts. In this post, we’ll break down what’s changing and what businesses need to do to stay ahead.
What is the Procurement Act 2023?
The Procurement Act 2023 replaces previous public procurement rules with a streamlined and digital-first approach. The aim is to modernise procurement across the public sector, including schools, MATs, and local authorities, making it simpler, more transparent, and accessible to a wider range of suppliers.
Key elements of the new legislation include:
✅ Digital Procurement Processes – All procurement procedures will shift to digital platforms, increasing efficiency and reducing administrative burdens.
✅ Greater Transparency – The new system will require clearer reporting and data sharing, helping suppliers understand how contracts are awarded and what criteria schools use to select providers.
✅ More Competitive Marketplace – The Act is designed to open up opportunities for SMEs and new suppliers, making it easier to enter the market.
✅ A Single Procurement Framework – The reforms simplify the rules, replacing multiple complex processes with a unified system for all public sector contracts.
For suppliers working with state-funded schools, nurseries, and MATs, these changes could present new opportunities—but also new compliance requirements.
🔗 Official UK Government Summary of the Procurement Act 2023
What Education Suppliers Need to Do
To remain competitive and compliant under the Procurement Act 2023, education suppliers should start preparing now. Here are the key actions to take:
1️⃣ Understand the New Procurement Processes
Suppliers should familiarise themselves with the digital platforms and new procurement requirements. This may involve registering on new procurement portals and ensuring their systems align with digital tendering processes.
📌 Action: Research Find a Tender and other platforms that will be used for procurement.
2️⃣ Ensure Compliance with Transparency Rules
The new Act increases the level of data sharing and reporting required for public sector contracts. This means suppliers will need to be more transparent about pricing, delivery standards, and performance metrics.
📌 Action: Review your pricing structures and documentation processes to ensure they meet the new transparency and reporting standards.
3️⃣ Strengthen Your Digital and Online Presence
Since procurement is moving online, suppliers who lack a strong digital presence risk falling behind. Schools and MATs will be looking at online platforms, supplier marketplaces, and digital tenders when selecting providers.
📌 Action: Invest in a clear and professional online presence, including:
An updated website showcasing your services.
Case studies and testimonials to demonstrate impact.
SEO-optimised content to improve search visibility.
4️⃣ Prepare for Increased Competition
With a more accessible and competitive marketplace, suppliers will need to differentiate themselves to stand out. This means focusing on:
✔️ Value for money – Schools will be looking for cost-effective solutions.
✔️ Proven impact – Providing data and case studies that demonstrate success.
✔️ Ease of implementation – Offering solutions that are easy for schools to adopt.
📌 Action: Review your sales strategy and value proposition to ensure you stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
5️⃣ Stay Updated and Engage with Industry Bodies
BESA and other industry bodies will continue to provide updates and support on how suppliers can navigate the new system. Keeping up to date with changes will be crucial for securing school contracts.
📌 Action: Subscribe to BESA’s updates for expert insights.
Final Thoughts
The Procurement Act 2023 marks a significant shift in how schools, MATs, and local authorities purchase goods and services. While these changes create new opportunities, they also require education suppliers to adapt to digital procurement, meet new transparency requirements, and stand out in a more competitive market.
With the new system going live in February 2025, now is the time for suppliers to:
✅ Review procurement processes
✅ Improve digital readiness
✅ Ensure compliance with transparency requirements