Granby at Procurement Act Live 2025

Procurement Act Live

Granby at Procurement Act Live 2025: On Thursday, February 27th, the Granby Team were on the stand at “Procurement ACT Live 2025” at the NEC in Birmingham, joining colleagues to mark a significant moment for the public procurement landscape in the UK.

This event was a pivotal gathering for stakeholders involved in public sector procurement, as it focused on the transformative changes brought about by the new Procurement Act 2023, which officially went into effect on February 24th, 2025. The Act is poised to revolutionise how public bodies procure goods and services, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs).

Procurement Act Live attracted a diverse audience, including public sector buyers, suppliers of all sizes, legal advisors, and other stakeholders involved in the procurement process. It provided a valuable platform for networking, allowing attendees to build relationships and explore potential collaborations under the new procurement regime.

Team Granby

Granby, stationed at Stand 7, was thrilled to be part of this landmark event. The team, including Victoria Pittman, Head of Client Services and Business Development, Owen Harris from our Business Development team, and Kayleigh Scott, our Client Services Manager, engaged with attendees to discuss the implications and opportunities presented by the new legislation.

“Yesterday was an incredible whirlwind of activity,” said Victoria Pittman. “Our stand was bustling with visitors, and the footfall was just perfect for us. It was a day full of productive conversations, and while we’re all feeling a little weary today, the success of the event made it all worthwhile.”

The Procurement Act 2023 is not just about regulatory changes. It represents a real chance to reimagine the collaboration between buyers and suppliers to enhance public service delivery. the result should be greater innovation in process and service.

“Innovation is at the heart of what we do at Granby. We actively foster and support innovation in public sector projects, helping our clients achieve their goals in new and exciting ways.” Victoria Pittman, Head of Client Services and Business Development

Event Themes

One of the key themes of the event was the increased transparency that the new Act promises. By enhancing access to procurement opportunities, the Act aims to create a level playing field for SMEs. It does this by allowing them to compete more effectively for public sector contracts. This is expected to democratise the procurement process, making it more inclusive and competitive.

Perhaps the quote of the day from the many speakers came from Alan Heron. Alan is Director Of Procurement at Places for People

“There is a tsunami of change in every aspect of what we do in terms of the administration, the operational activities, the strategies that we have put in place, and the supply chain engagement. This is quite simply the single biggest change to public procurement legislation in a generation.” Alan Heron, FCIPS

Simplified Processes

Another significant focus was on simplifying procurement processes. The new legislation introduces streamlined procedures designed to reduce administrative burdens, making it easier for SMEs to participate. This simplification is crucial for smaller businesses. They may have previously been deterred by the complexity and resource demands of public procurement.

“Our team prides itself on being nimble and easy to work with. Whether it’s a small project or a complex 3PL initiative, Granby’s experience and expertise ensure that we deliver results efficiently and effectively.” Kayleigh Scott, Client Services Manager

Sustainability

Sustainability was also a major topic of discussion. The Procurement Act emphasises sustainable practices, encouraging SMEs to innovate and contribute to greener solutions. This focus aligns with broader environmental goals and reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sustainability in public procurement.

Challenges and opportunities

Exhibitors, including Granby, showcased their solutions and services relevant to the new procurement landscape.

This exhibitor showcase was an opportunity for companies to demonstrate their capabilities. It also allowed them to align themselves with the objectives of the new Act.

“The Procurement Act presents both challenges and opportunities. At Granby, we’re excited to navigate this new landscape alongside our clients, leveraging our experience to drive success in public sector procurement.” Owen Harris, Business Development Team

In addition to the exhibitor showcase, the event featured speaker sessions. Here,  experts in public procurement delivered presentations and participated in panel discussions. These sessions covered key aspects of the new Act, offering insights on navigating the changes, identifying opportunities for smaller businesses, and sharing best practices for compliance.

Summary

Overall, Procurement ACT Live 2025 was a comprehensive event. And one that provided everyone at the show with the information, networking opportunities, and insights needed to navigate the new procurement landscape. It kick-started the potential for positive change, with increased transparency, simplified processes, and a focus on sustainability set to benefit SMEs and the broader public sector. As the entire supply chain adjusts to this new landscape, the event underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in delivering outstanding public services.