**London**: The National Federation of Roofing Contractors supports the Procurement Act 2023, which enhances public procurement, promotes timely payments, and benefits SMEs, aiming to improve transparency and quality in the UK construction sector while fostering a better payment culture.
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has expressed support for the newly implemented Procurement Act 2023, which came into effect in late February. This legislation is designed to enhance public procurement practices throughout the UK, with a pronounced focus on aiding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), prioritising social value, and increasing overall transparency in the use of taxpayer funds.
According to the NFRC, one of the significant changes introduced by the Act mandates that all public sector contracts must pay invoices within a 30-day period following receipt. This development aims to cultivate a more favourable payment culture within the construction industry. NFRC Group CEO James Talman commented on this issue, stating, “Poor payment practices continue to unfairly strain the finances of roofing and cladding businesses, critically harming growth potential and jeopardising the government’s housing targets.” He further voiced optimism that improved payment standards from local authorities would bolster the cultural shift needed across the industry.
In addition to enhanced payment terms, the Act shifts the focus on how contracts are awarded. Instead of selecting bids based solely on the lowest price, it encourages the adoption of a “Most Advantageous Tender” approach. The NFRC highlights that this broader perspective, which takes into account the whole-life value of buildings—including ongoing maintenance and operational costs—represents a substantial progression for the sector. “Up to 80% of a building’s lifetime costs are operational,” Talman pointed out, underscoring the importance of prioritising quality and sustainability in building construction and maintenance.
Another critical component of the Act is the introduction of a central debarment list. This list is designed to exclude underperforming suppliers and their associated subcontractors, ultimately aiming to elevate standards across the entire supply chain. Talman emphasised the need for “the new central debarment list [to be] proactively used to enforce best practice across the construction sector.”
The NFRC is also optimistic about the Act’s focus on social value and is particularly enthusiastic about simplified bidding processes which may benefit SMEs, especially those dedicated to investing in apprenticeships. “SMEs continue to deliver an outsized proportion of apprenticeships, and it is high time they are recognised for this essential support to sustain our industry,” Talman stated.
The changes mandated by the Procurement Act 2023 aim to create a more equitable environment for SMEs, foster quality workmanship, and ultimately improve the construction landscape in the UK.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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