Sectors Archives:
Webinar: Carbon Reduction Plan GCA Framework Compliance training for suppliers
How to successfully subcontract: A guide for SMEs
The National Procurement Policy Statement asks public sector buyers to remove barriers that stop small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from accessing contracts. This applies to both direct contractors or to indirect opportunities within the supply chain. Strategic suppliers and prime contractors are encouraged to increase subcontracting opportunities with SMEs where appropriate. What is subcontracting? Subcontracting […]
Updated action plan for small and medium-sized enterprises
This article includes what this means for SMEs, the actions we will undertake in the next 12 to 18 months and the link to the new action plan. Our new small and medium-sized enterprise action plan Our latest Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) action plan reaffirms our role in addressing and reducing barriers making it […]
What suppliers need to know about modern slavery policy in procurement
This article explains what you need to know about the government’s modern slavery policy if you’re a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). What is Modern Slavery? Modern Slavery is often a hidden crime involving denying another person’s freedom. It includes: slavery forced and compulsory labour debt bondage human trafficking The government introduced the Modern Slavery […]
How we assess and award suppliers who bid for a place on our agreements
The public sector spends billions each year buying goods and services from the private sector. As a supplier, being awarded a place on a Crown Commercial Service (CCS) commercial agreement is a great way to potentially: increase your revenue enhance your reputation grow your organisation Can small and medium sized enterprises become public sector suppliers? […]
CCS to showcase digital innovation at DigiGov Expo 2025
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) will host a dedicated pavilion at this year’s DigiGov Expo, the UK’s largest public sector technology event, taking place at ExCeL London on 24 to 25 September 2025. The new CCS Pavilion will bring together technology suppliers and public sector buyers, creating opportunities to explore innovative solutions that can transform public […]
What is a consortium and how can they benefit SMEs when bidding for public sector contracts?
What is a consortium? CCS defines a consortium as 2 or more suppliers coming together to bid for a tender. There is no limit to the number of possible consortium members. Consortia bids are usually accepted across our commercial agreements.* Why join and bid as a consortium? Each year, billions of pounds of tendering opportunities […]
Cyber Essentials certification: guidance for small and medium-sized enterprises
Why are cyber security controls essential in public sector procurement? Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs) are used to communicate new policies, which must be applied to public procurement activities. Under the UK government’s PPN 014, Cyber Essentials (CE) certification is now mandatory for certain public sector contracts. Contract examples which meet the characteristics for inclusion of […]
What suppliers need to know about creating and maintaining Carbon Reduction Plans
In this article, Marta Hyder, Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS – now GCA) CRP compliance lead, advises suppliers on how to meet their net zero requirements to continue to work with the public sector. What is a Carbon Reduction Plan? A Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) is a strategy that demonstrates how an organisation is committed to […]