The much-discussed UK Procurement Bill has now entered the committee stage, following a second reading at the House of Commons in early January. With UK public spending reaching over £300 billion 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 views the upcoming changes as a golden opportunity to highlight the benefits of complete light steel framing systems from a procurement perspective. "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."
The new bill will replace 350 different current regulations. 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. 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 as the system of choice for those looking to meet the widened scope of procurement requirements set out by the bill. From a technical and performance perspective, 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."
Stay in touch:
