Procurement - What will happen after Brexit?

If you are hoping for a radical change in procurement law and public procurement processes after Brexit, a move away from tendering towards simple bid proposals and handshakes, you may be disappointed.

The requirement to compete in a sealed bid process and prove value for money, will always be the case, when spending public money. British bids from British companies will continue to be evaluated alongside EU company bids, as they are today. 

​In the future, England and the UK will have more freedom to influence procurement rules, however if the government in England enters into international agreements with the EU and other countries, this freedom will be restricted. For example, a local authority or county council would be prevented from specifying British bids only. 

The UK government intend to open up their public contracts to bids from other countries. Such agreement would also allow British businesses to bid for public services in other countries. It will be business as usual for procurement and businesses who already participate in British bids in EU countries. 

The impact of Brexit on supply chains will never the less be huge! The governments legal department will draft the new UK procurement legislation, the principles of transparency and fair treatment will remain. This process will take time, therefore the existing procurement legislation may remain in place for years to come.  

About the Author 
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Naomi Clews

Naomi Clews is management consultant and owner if boutique procurement advisory firm Naomi Clews Consultancy Limited based in Lichfield, Birmingham UK. Find out more here.