Power in procurement: anchor networks could be the engine of the Procurement Act
The new National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) marks a decisive shift in the government’s approach to public spending. It sets out a clear ambition to increase public sector procurement through small businesses and social enterprises and to foster greater collaboration between contracting authorities in order to secure broader social and economic value.
With the Procurement Act (2023) now in operation, the London Anchor Institutions’ Network (LAIN) and CLES convened a workshop to explore how an anchor network approach could help bring these ambitions to life and, in doing so, strengthen local economies. LAIN, convened by the Mayor of London in 2021, is committed to driving inclusive economic growth through anchor institutions buying more of their goods and services from smaller and diverse-led local businesses. The Network was keen to share practice with other anchor networks around the country and explore ways for anchor institutions to capitalise on the opportunities afforded by the Act.