Sources
Sources and references
Where the figures and legal references on our homepage and infographics come from, with links to the official documents.
UK public-sector procurement: £461bn a year
Sources: HM Treasury, PESA 2026, tables 5.5 and 5.6 (gross current plus capital procurement, 2025-26, including purchases between public bodies); Cabinet Office, Departmental Small Business Procurement Targets (three-year targets for direct spend with SMEs, under PPN 001).
A very large market, every year
Source: HM Treasury, Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2026, tables 5.5 and 5.6 (GOV.UK). Gross current plus capital procurement, 2025-26 outturn; includes purchases between public bodies.
Paid on set terms, often for years
Sources: Procurement Act 2023, s.68 implied payment terms and s.47 frameworks: maximum term (legislation.gov.uk). Exceptions apply, for example concession contracts and contracts awarded by schools.
Built to open doors for smaller firms
Sources: Procurement Act 2023, s.18 duty to consider lots and s.12(4) (legislation.gov.uk); Cabinet Office, PPN 001: SME and VCSE procurement spend targets (GOV.UK, 2025).
Tender listings come from Find a Tender and Contracts Finder under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Figures are checked when we update the site; if you spot something out of date, let us know.