Introduction

Brexit has reshaped the UK’s procurement landscape, bringing both challenges and opportunities for businesses bidding for government and private sector contracts. With new trade regulations, evolving procurement frameworks, and increased competition, SMEs must adapt quickly to remain competitive.

At Tender VLE, we provide comprehensive training courses designed to help businesses navigate post-Brexit tendering complexities and develop resilient procurement strategies. In this blog, we explore key market changes and how our courses equip SMEs with the skills needed to thrive in the new procurement era.

1. Understanding Post-Brexit Procurement Changes

Brexit has led to significant shifts in the UK’s tendering and procurement landscape, including:

• Changes in Public Procurement Rules– The UK is transitioning from EU procurement frameworks to its own Procurement Act 2023, designed to increase transparency and competition.
• New Trade Agreements– SMEs must adapt to new trade deals with countries outside the EU, affecting import/export regulations and supplier relationships.
• Increased UK Supply Chain Opportunities– The government is prioritizing domestic suppliers to boost local economies, creating fresh opportunities for UK-based businesses.

How Our Courses Help

Our Post-Brexit Procurement Essentials course provides an overview of the latest regulatory changes, while our Advanced UK Tendering Strategies course (paid) offers in-depth training on leveraging new procurement opportunities.

2. Compliance with the UK’s New Procurement Act

The UK Procurement Act 2023 replaces EU regulations, introducing new procedures, transparency measures, and supplier engagement requirements.

Key Changes Businesses Need to Know

• Simplified procurement processesto encourage SME participation.
• Stronger emphasis on social valuein tender evaluations.
• Enhanced digital procurement systemsto streamline submissions.

How Our Courses Help

Our free UK Procurement Compliance course covers the fundamentals, while our Procurement Act Masterclass (paid) provides step-by-step guidance on aligning bid strategies with new regulations.

3. Adapting to International Trade and Export Tenders

Brexit has altered the way UK businesses engage in international trade, requiring companies to understand new export procedures, tariffs, and global bidding opportunities.

Key Challenges in International Tendering

• Navigating new trade deals and tariffsoutside the EU.
• Meeting compliance standardsin different markets.
• Understanding country-specific procurement frameworks.

How Our Courses Help

Our free International Tendering Basics course introduces global procurement principles, while our Winning Export Tenders course (paid) teaches businesses how to secure contracts in international markets.

4. Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience Post-Brexit

With supply chains disrupted by new trade barriers, SMEs must focus on building resilient supplier networks and ensuring compliance with UK procurement laws.

Strategies for Stronger Supply Chains

• Diversifying supplier basesto reduce reliance on single markets.
• Ensuring regulatory compliancewith UK and international standards.
• Leveraging technologyto track and manage supplier performance.

How Our Courses Help

Our free Supply Chain Risk Management course covers essential risk mitigation strategies, while our Advanced Supply Chain Resilience course (paid) provides in-depth training on securing robust procurement networks.

5. Mastering Digital Tendering in a Post-Brexit Era

The UK is accelerating the shift toward digital procurement, making it essential for businesses to understand how to navigate e-tendering platforms effectively.

Why Digital Tendering Skills Are Crucial

• Increases efficiencyby reducing paperwork and manual errors.
• Enhances compliancethrough automated regulatory checks.
• Expands bidding opportunitiesby providing access to more contracts.

How Our Courses Help

Our free Digital Procurement Fundamentals course covers the basics of electronic tendering, while our E-Tendering & Compliance Masterclass (paid) offers expert guidance on using leading procurement platforms.

FAQs

1. What are the biggest changes in UK procurement post-Brexit?

The biggest changes include the UK Procurement Act 2023, new international trade agreements, and an increased focus on domestic supply chain opportunities.

2. Do SMEs have a better chance of winning UK tenders post-Brexit?

Yes! The UK government has introduced simplified procurement processes and stronger support for SMEs, making it easier for smaller businesses to secure contracts.

3. How do your courses help businesses stay compliant with the new Procurement Act?

Our Procurement Compliance courses provide up-to-date guidance on new regulations, ensuring businesses understand bid requirements, transparency rules, and social value criteria.

4. Are digital procurement skills necessary for post-Brexit tendering?

Absolutely! As procurement moves online, businesses must develop digital tendering expertise to improve efficiency and compete effectively in the new landscape.

5. Which course should I take if I’m new to UK procurement post-Brexit?

Start with our Post-Brexit Procurement Essentials course to understand the key changes, then progress to more specialized courses like Digital Tendering and Supply Chain Resilience.

Conclusion

Post-Brexit procurement presents both challenges and new opportunities for UK businesses. By understanding the regulatory landscape, digital transformation, supply chain strategies, and international trade adjustments, SMEs can position themselves for success.

At Tender VLE, our free and paid courses equip businesses with future-proof procurement skills, ensuring they can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing market. Whether you’re an SME owner, procurement professional, or bid writer, investing in expert-led training is the key to staying ahead.

Prepare for the future—start learning today!