A reader writes and gives their views on the public sector procurement system
Your analysis and leader comment on problems in public sector procurement (“Procurement on trial”, 22 August 2014, page 22) picks up most of the salient points but misses one significant factor. In its drive for improved efficiency over the last 10 years, the government has fostered collaborative, aggregated procurement. This has naturally led to fewer, larger procurement exercises which serves to magnify the impact on the winners and losers, hence more challenges.
Currently, the focus for public sector procurement is to create more opportunities for SMEs. This should provide some balance in the market but undoubtedly puts extra pressure on procurement professionals to refine their processes further. Generally, our industry has a good track record in continuous improvement and I’m confident that our high standards can be retained.
John Skivington, director, LHC, via email
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