How the New SME Action Plan Helps Win More Contracts

The UK Government has reaffirmed its commitment to helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) succeed in public sector procurement with the publication of the new SME Action Plan on 20 October 2025. For SMEs across the UK, this is an important development — one that brings clearer pathways into government supply chains and removes many of the longstanding barriers that small suppliers encounter.

At Hadom Consulting, we welcome this renewed focus. As a consultancy that supports SMEs in becoming “public-contract ready”, we believe the updated Action Plan provides both practical opportunities and a clear signal that government buyers want more SMEs across their commercial agreements.

Why this matters for SMEs

Public procurement continues to evolve under the Procurement Act 2023, the Social Value Model, and increasing expectations around sustainability, transparency and professionalism in bidding. In this context, the updated CCS SME Action Plan:

• Creates more visibility of upcoming contract opportunities

• Makes bidding easier and more accessible

• Gives SMEs clearer guidance on navigating CCS commercial agreements

• Strengthens the role of SMEs in government supply chains

For SMEs who want to grow in the public sector, this is an ideal moment to take stock, build capability, and refine bidding processes.

Seven new actions designed to support SMEs

The Action Plan sets out seven improvements that CCS will deliver over the next 12 to 18 months, each tackling a known barrier for SMEs.

1. Encouraging early networking opportunities

CCS will support more regional Government Meet the Buyer events, allowing SMEs to meet procurement teams earlier, understand requirements, and build relationships well before tenders go live.

2. Publishing supplier-specific articles and guidance

CCS will continue providing expert advice through practical, theme-specific articles based on the needs and feedback of SMEs.

3. Increasing transparency of upcoming CCS agreements

CCS will publish recorded six-month overviews of upcoming commercial agreements, helping SMEs to plan their bidding pipeline and prepare early.

4. Providing Public Sector Contract guidance

CCS will produce guidance to help SMEs interpret terms and conditions during the bidding stage — an area that often consumes disproportionate time and resources for smaller bidders.

5. Increasing signposting to the Central Digital Platform (CDP)

More SMEs will be directed to the CDP and its guidance on GOV.UK, enabling them to create strong profiles and access the right procurement tools.

6. Providing buyers with up-to-date SME spend data

Buyers will receive improved analytics on SME participation, helping them set realistic SME spend targets and monitor progress.

7. Improving internal processes to consistently consider SMEs

CCS will ensure its own agreements highlight how SME needs and contributions have been considered. This should support more inclusive procurement and better recognition of SME strengths.

What this means for SME suppliers

For SMEs looking to win public contracts, the new CCS actions can translate into significant benefits:

• Earlier sight of opportunities

• More time to prepare compliant bids

• Better understanding of requirements

• Improved chances of accessing frameworks

• Stronger visibility to key buyers

But the most important shift is this: the government is signalling that it wants more SMEs in its supply chains — and is actively updating its processes to enable that.

How Hadom Consulting can help

As a UK-based specialist in bid writing, social value advisory, and sustainability consulting, Hadom Consulting supports SMEs at every stage of their public-sector journey. Our services include:

• Bid-writing and tender management

• Public-contract readiness assessments

• Development of essential policies and governance documents

• Carbon reduction plans & sustainability strategy

• Social value design, measurement and reporting

• Business development and procurement pipeline planning

If you want to take advantage of the new CCS SME Action Plan but need support interpreting requirements, preparing compliant submissions, or building your internal capability, we are here to help.

Read the CCS SME Action Plan

You can access the full CCS SME Action Plan and explore all seven commitments here:
CCS SME Action Plan