In the fiscal year ending in 2019, total UK public spending, including central government and local authorities, was £821.0 billion. This is expected to rise this year to £847.6 billion.
With more opportunities with the public sector out there than ever before, it’s time to think about the contracts that you may have been missing out on.
We have listed the top hotspots for UK public sector business below, so you can spot the opportunities that could be sitting on your doorstep.
Contract Hotspots
London: 20,007 contract notices
North West England: 16,969 contract notices
South East England: 15,435 contract notices
South West England: 15,385 contract notices
Yorkshire and the Humber: 14,869 contract notices
Scotland: 14,645 contract notices
London
London topped our 2018 Contract Hotspots list and continues to take top place in 2019. The region is a favoured location of major private housing schemes, a sector which is fast-growing, as well as social housing projects. According to construction experts Glenigan, there are already a number of new social housing projects in the pipeline for 2020. Many housing associations have reviewed the implications of the Grenfell Tower fire of June 2017, leading to planned future refurbishment schemes on non-compliant properties.
North West England
UK central government intends to spend £134 billion over the period 2016-21; 32% of that sum will be spent in the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse initiative is creating many opportunities as the UK Government is committed to improving everyday journeys, developing skills and rolling out superfast broadband throughout the region.
South East England
Around 60% of Transport for London (TfL) expenditure is spent with suppliers based outside London – many are located in the South East of England, making it a hotspot for procurement opportunities. The Infrastructure and Projects Authority has also announced that by the end of 2020/21 it will have reached “a decision on a preferred new runway in the South East and preparation of a new Airports National Policy Statement.”
South West England
The Department for Transport (DfT) revealed this year that it has major plans to invest in the South West of England. Already the UK Government is transforming connectivity throughout the region with £360 million being allocated for a fleet of brand-new Intercity Express Trains. The South West will also benefit from DfT’s £29 billion improvement package on England’s most important roads; £1.6 billion from this will be invested into a 1.8-mile tunnel to bypass Stonehenge.
Yorkshire and the Humber
Major construction projects have boosted tender opportunities in Yorkshire and the Humber. In June 2019 it was announced that the search had started for 14 contractors to work on a £1.5 billion major projects framework for YORBuild. The YORBuild framework aims to help the public sector “deliver great construction projects at the best value, improving the lives of those who call Yorkshire and the Humber home.”
Scotland
The construction industry makes a huge contribution to Scotland’s economy, generating £21.4 billion per year. The latest Glenigan Construction Forecast predicts a rise in project starts during 2019 in Scotland. At the end of last year Construction Scotland launched its new strategy, which sets out the industry’s priorities for actions to improve its performance, with procurement reform at the top of the list.
Find public sector procurement opportunities
Supply2Gov users can gain access to tender alerts for the areas mentioned above, and beyond!
Once you have signed up for your FREE local area, simply tailor your profile to the services or products that your SME business offers and start winning work with the public sector.