Introducing Government Commercial Agency

Each year, the public sector spends more than £400 billion buying the goods and services that keep the country running. The ambulance that arrives in an emergency. The energy that powers the lights in your street. Every one of these depends on public procurement.

Getting procurement right matters. When it works well, hospitals get the equipment they need faster, small businesses win contracts that sustain local jobs, and taxpayers see their money stretched further.

As the Government Commercial Agency (GCA), we will improve how the public sector buys everything from school laptops to emergency vehicles, creating greater value for the nation.

What this means for you

For now, everything stays the same. Our frameworks are unchanged, as are any call-offs and contracts that have been let within that framework.

Your usual contacts will continue to support you as before. If anything changes, we’ll provide clear guidance on how to work with us and access the support you need.

As GCA, we will:

• combine collective purchasing power and commercial expertise to negotiate better deals
• maintain diverse and resilient supply chains
• guide you through complex procurements

For example, a local authority procuring IT equipment will benefit from pre-negotiated frameworks offering better prices.

Similarly, an NHS trust managing a major construction project can access specialist advice from initial planning through to contract delivery.

As GCA, there will be practical improvements:

• streamlined processes and clearer routes to market
• consistent standards across the public sector
• specialist commercial advice when you need it
• stronger supplier relationships that benefit everyone

Our commitment to serving the entire public sector, regardless of organisation size or location, remains at the heart of what we do.

We’re using our combined expertise and scale to achieve better outcomes for all public sector customers, for suppliers, and ultimately for citizens.

Connecting public and private sectors

Suppliers are vital partners in providing public services. Through GCA, businesses of all sizes will have a clear gateway to the UK public sector.

We’ll work to create more opportunities for small businesses and voluntary organisations, and help shape supplier markets that are diverse, competitive and local.

Supporting the government’s priorities

GCA will support the government’s Plan for Change by positioning commercial expertise where it can have the greatest impact. Operating as a self-sustaining trading fund, GCA will reinvest in continuous improvements – enhanced procurement frameworks, improved digital tools, and specialist capabilities.

We’ll help support national and local priorities, including economic growth and maximising the benefits of the Procurement Act.

Sam Ulyatt will lead GCA as Chief Executive Officer, with oversight from Government Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Forzani.

Andrew Forzani said: “Government Commercial Agency will centralise commercial activity, set best practices, and promote innovation. I am tremendously excited about working with Sam Ulyatt to build GCA to ensure it becomes the centre for commercial expertise and delivery across the public sector.”

Sam Ulyatt added: “We are confident that this enhanced commercial agency, working alongside public sector colleagues, will harness the significant expertise across government and achieve greater value for the nation.”