The Government has published new data on £70 billion of potential future contracts over the next five years, across 13 different sectors including construction, property, medical and police equipment, as part of reforming the way the public sector does business.
Publishing data on future contract needs allows government and industry to work together to spot any skills and investment gaps so they can act to safeguard UK competitiveness and growth.
The Government’s proactive approach has been hailed by industry leaders, and a total of 17 industry bodies and suppliers, including British Chambers of Commerce, the Confederation for British Industry (CBI), Institute of Directors and the UK Contractors Group, have signed up Government’s approach and signed ministers’ “Procurement Pledge”.
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable said:
"In the coming years the Government will purchase billions of pounds worth of equipment and services, which means billions of pounds worth of potential opportunities for UK business. By publishing details of our expected future requirements ahead of time and adopting a strategic approach, we can help give UK suppliers the confidence to invest in people, plants and technologies here at home so they can compete for and win these government contracts, as well as seek new opportunities abroad.
The Government has also published an initial analysis on strategic capability, using construction and tunnelling as an example and identifying some of the skills and changes required to meet future demand. In future the Government will publish plans for other key sectors.
Responding to the news, Director General of Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Nick Baveystock said:
“The projected pipeline of future work in the national infrastructure plan has given industry a platform on which to assess future needs, particularly potential skills gaps and priorities for developing engineering innovations. Getting a better idea of the risks and opportunities we are likely to encounter in areas that cut across various projects - like tunneling - is an extremely valuable use of this information, driving better efficiency and ultimately better value for money for the public. This is crucial to ensure we remain globally competitive in future and can deliver on vital energy, transport and water projects successfully.”
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