Reducing Barriers to Entry for SMEs in Regulated Procurement

Summary

Please note: this event is for over 18’s only.

Join the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) for an expert-led webinar examining how the New Procurement Act is transforming opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the construction sector. With new regulatory tools designed to simplify and open up the procurement landscape, this session will explore how the Act aims to reduce barriers, increase flexibility, and create a fairer, more transparent marketplace for suppliers. Leading procurement law specialist, Dr Rebecca Rees, partner and head of public procurement law at Trowers & Hamlins and ABP's Adam Sanford, infrastructure procurement specialist and chair of the BSI construction procurement committee, will discuss what the changes mean in practice — from new commercial mechanisms to the role of Artificial Intelligence in levelling the playing field.

This online webinar will explore
- Reducing barriers to entry for SMEs in regulated procurement.
- Regulation & Policy Update: Key levers for SME-friendly procurement.
- New Commercial Tools: Frameworks and Dynamic Markets — how they differ from previous version.
- Procurement in Practice: Do buyers approach regulated procurement activities in the same way?
- Early Engagement: What makes a successful process and how to respond effectively as a supplier.
- Driving Innovation: Harnessing the competitive flexible process.
- Levelling the Playing Field: How Artificial Intelligence is reshaping procurement.

By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:
- Understand how the New Procurement Act supports SME-friendly procurement.
- Differentiate between the new commercial tools (Frameworks and Dynamic Markets) and previous models.
- Identify how different contracting authorities approach regulated procurement.
- Recognise what makes effective early engagement and how to respond as a supplier.
- Explore how innovation can be driven through the competitive flexible process.
- Assess the role of Artificial Intelligence in promoting transparency and fair competition.

Why Attend

Gain the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate procurement reform — understand how the new rules can open doors for SMEs, drive innovation, and strengthen collaboration across the construction supply chain.

Please note that all email reminders and webinar follow up information will be sent through Eventbrite. Please check your junk folder and add Eventbrite to your safe sender list to avoid missing any communications regarding this webinar.

Members: gain 3 CIOB CPD points when you reflect on the ethical aspects of your learning from this activity.

Speakers

Rebecca Rees - Partner, Head of Public Procurement
Trowers & Hamlins

Rebecca is a partner and Head of the cross-firm Public Procurement practice at Trowers & Hamlins. She is a Leader in the Field for Public Procurement (UK-wide) in the current edition of the Chambers and Partners Guide to the Legal Profession. Rebecca is also ranked in the current "Who's Who Legal Guide to Government Contracts" where she is described as “an exceptional procurement lawyer” and “particularly strong in the construction and regeneration sectors".

Rebecca has significant experience in advising clients in the public, private and third sectors on Public Procurement and Subsidy Control issues. She advises clients on procurement strategy and structures, how to conduct flexible and compliant procedures and compile objective and transparent evaluation models and guidance.

Adam Sanford - Procurement and Delivery Specialist
Associated British Ports

With extensive expertise in major construction and consultancy procurement, supplier management, and project delivery, Adam brings a proven track record in procurement and organisational transformation through effective project and programme management. He has successfully led the delivery of high-value projects and strategic procurement arrangements, managing the entire lifecycle to achieve commercially successful outcomes.

As a strong advocate for values-based management, recruitment, and procurement, Adam is dedicated to championing practices that drive positive change. He has had the privilege of lecturing widely on these topics, along with procurement and project management, sharing his insights and fostering industry growth.

Online Platform

The webinar will be held using MS Teams. Before the session, you will receive an email from Eventbrite containing a link to complete your registration on Teams. After registering with Teams, you will receive the link for joining the webinar.

Time Zones

The webinar is being advertised in the GMT/BST time zone, but you can easily see the local time for the webinar using World Time Buddy: www.worldtimebuddy.com/.

Contact

Georgie Hawkes

Member Services and Events Coordinator

[email protected]

How can we help you get the most out of this event? We want to ensure accessibility for all of our members. Please contact us in confidence prior to attendance and we will do our best to answer any questions and support any additional needs you may have.

CIOB Assist

The webinar is free for CIOB members to attend, but if you would like to make an optional donation to CIOB Assist you can do this during the registration process.