Levelling the playing field: What CCS’s 2025 Action Plan means for Buyers and Suppliers
Locations
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has published its SME Action Plan for 2025, setting out how it intends to make public sector procurement more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For procurement professionals and suppliers alike, this plan signals a renewed push to level the playing field and unlock the value SMEs bring to public contracts.
Why SMEs matter in public procurement
SMEs represent 99.8% of UK businesses and employ around 60% of the workforce. Yet, despite making up 75% of suppliers on CCS commercial agreements, they account for only 11% of direct spend. The SME Action Plan aims to close this gap by removing barriers and creating more opportunities for SMEs to win public sector contracts.
What's changing
Over the next 12–18 months, CCS will deliver a series of targeted actions designed to make procurement more SME-friendly:
|
No. |
Priority Area |
Action Summary |
Benefits |
Milestones |
|
|
Digital Access |
CCS is enhancing support for SMEs through the Central Digital Platform (CDP) - a one-stop portal for public procurement opportunities. By increasing signposting across GOV.UK, CCS agreements, newsletters, and supplier articles, SMEs are encouraged to register and input their core business information. |
Reduced complexity and bureaucracy. Easier access to CCS opportunities. Improved visibility through alerts and guidance. |
Quarterly meetings with the Cabinet Office CDP team. Recorded overviews of upcoming tenders. Continuous feedback loop to improve CDP usability. |
|
|
Improved Visibility |
To help SMEs plan their bidding pipeline, CCS will publish recorded overviews of agreements expected to go live within six months. These will include key details such as agreement type, buyer usage, supplier limits, and policy obligations. |
Better preparation and strategic bidding. Clearer understanding of which lots fit SME offerings. |
Quarterly content reviews and updates. |
|
|
Early Engagement |
Regional Meet the Buyer events across six UK cities (Cambridge, York, London, Bristol, Manchester, and Cardiff) giving SMEs direct access to buyers, networking opportunities, and practical guidance. |
Direct engagement with buyers. Insights into subcontracting and consortia bidding. Real-life SME success stories. |
At least six CCS-hosted events. Attendance at three additional departmental events. |
|
|
Clearer Guidance |
Through its Supplier Specifics article series and tailored communications, CCS will continue to demystify procurement processes, standards, and certifications. |
Increased understanding of government procurement. Wider access to resources via trade bodies and associations. |
Quarterly article publication. Feedback-driven content updates. |
|
|
Navigating Terms and Conditions |
CCS will publish guidance on the Public Sector Contract (PSC), including differences between agreement iterations and specific advice for frameworks like DOS7 and G-Cloud 15. |
Better comprehension of contractual obligations. More informed legal queries during bidding. |
PSC guidance documents. Agreement-specific terms and conditions support. |
|
|
Data-Driven Support |
CCS will provide buyers with SME spend data to help set and monitor direct spend targets, identify barriers, and improve outcomes. |
More informed procurement decisions. Increased SME inclusion in public contracts. |
Quarterly data sharing. Continuous content review based on user feedback. |
|
|
Embedding SME Consideration |
CCS will ensure SME needs are considered from pre-market engagement to agreement implementation. Buyers will be guided on how agreements support SME goals, and suppliers will receive clearer bid documentation. |
SMEs can access bid viability early. Buyer can identity SME-friendly lots. |
PME and bid pack enhancements. Buyer guidance on SME support. |
Don't miss a thing, subscribe today!
Stay up to date by subscribing to the latest Public and Regulatory insights from the experts at Fieldfisher.
Subscribe nowA broader shift in procurement culture
This action plan reflects a wider shift in public procurement - towards greater transparency, fairness, and value beyond price. CCS is aligning its approach with evolving expectations around social value, economic resilience, and supplier diversity. The goal is not just to open doors for SMEs, but to ensure they have the tools and support to walk through them confidently.
For SMEs looking to engage with CCS, now is the time to explore frameworks, attend events, and take advantage of the growing resources designed to support their journey.
If your organisation (whether a contracting authority or supplier) requires any advice in relation to the PA23, please contact Nick Pimlott or Holly Johnson.
The content of this blog does not constitute legal advice and is provided for general information purposes only. Specific legal advice should be sought before taking any actions based on the content of this blog.
