The UK Procurement Bill will have many implications for the UK's built environment and should play to the strengths of an offsite-delivered light steel frame approach.
With UK public spending reaching over £300billion per year, the Procurement Bill aims to simplify and transform current laws surrounding procurement processes applicable to publicly funded works. Mike Fairey, Chairman of the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) and Managing Director of Fusion Light Steel Framing, views the upcoming changes as a golden opportunity to highlight the benefits of complete light steel framing systems from a procurement perspective.
"The proposed UK Procurement Bill simplifies a currently over-complex and time-consuming process," says Mike. "Historically procurement has been a case of bringing together various construction elements from different sources. Now many LSFA members have transitioned from manufacturers of components to innovators in complete and compliant 'through the wall' panelised light steel systems that offer a consolidated approach to meet the requirements outlined in the proposed Bill."
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, the new bill will replace 350 different regulations. Approximately one-third of current public sector spending goes on procurement. With a focus on driving innovation and creating a more open, transparent system, the Bill will ensure UK needs are met while complying with international obligations.
One particular benefit will be an increased focus on 'Levelling Up'. The Procurement Bill will set out requirements for buyers to consider areas such as supplier resilience, technical and system innovation, and the creation of new jobs and skillsets. The changes will also include the creation of a digital platform on which suppliers can register details to use for bids on multiple projects.
The new centralised, web-based platform will allow businesses to find out about upcoming work earlier, detailing available projects in their regions. The platform aims to speed up and streamline previous procedures, which would have seen businesses forced to register details across multiple digital platforms for different works and types of procurement.
By increasing the requirement for more sustainable, efficient, and high-performance systems, the changes will ideally position light steel frame as the system of choice for those looking to meet the widened scope of procurement requirements set out by the Bill. There will also be greater transparency and a supplier-barring system based on performance. The aim of this would be to block suppliers with a record of non-compliance from securing further work.
It is here that light steel frame's well-evidenced performance benefits offer yet a further boon to companies looking for assurance when it comes to procurement. "From a technical and performance perspective," adds Mike. "The fact that light steel frame solutions are so rigorously tested, with warranties often supplied from a single source, mean we can offer the kind of certainty and compliance which will be a priority within the new Procurement Bill. As the sector strives to champion offsite as the construction method of choice, the changes to the Bill will allow companies to demonstrate how light steel frame systems provide a perfect fit for many of the new procurement requirements."
For more information visit: www.lsf-association.co.uk
Source: Offsite Magazine
