April 2014 saw the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) established in an effort to change government procurement and maximise value for the UK public sector, how has it changed in 10 years?
Now, in April 2024, CCS marks its 10th anniversary, reflecting on a decade of remarkable achievements and growth.
What the Crown Commercial Services has done in 10 years
Over these past 10 years, CCS has grown, expanding its team and its portfolio of commercial solutions while supporting a growing number of public sector organisations.
Milestones include a significant increase in commercial benefits, from £606 million in 2017/18 to £3.8 billion in 2023/24. This boost shows CCS’s commitment to delivering real value and savings to its customers.
One of CCS’s main accomplishments has been the expansion of approved suppliers on its commercial agreements. Starting at 1,700, the list has now exceeded 10,000, with 88% growth in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) participation.
This increase makes sure that public sector bodies have a diverse range of suppliers, enhancing competition and driving better value for money.
The continued success of CCS
The range of CCS’s commercial agreements has also expanded significantly, currently containing approximately 120 live agreements utilised by over 21,000 customers.
This reflects CCS’s pivotal role in centralising government procurement spend and facilitating smarter, more efficient purchasing decisions. Simon Tse, CEO of CCS, expressed excitement about the milestone, saying that the anniversary marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the organisation.
Simon Tse credited CCS’s success to its exceptional team and partnerships with customers and suppliers. Parliamentary Secretary Alex Burghart applauded CCS for its substantial contributions to the public sector, noting the billions of pounds in savings achieved through CCS’s offerings. Burghart’s sentiments reflect widespread recognition of CCS’s key role in driving efficiency and value across government procurement.
The future of the public sector
CCS’s impact extends beyond financial savings. Its investments in building commercial skills and capability, such as the £12 million commitment to enable a common procurement platform within the NHS, show a dedication to driving systemic improvements that benefit frontline services.
Looking ahead, CCS remains committed to evolving and adapting to achieve its ambitious objectives. The organisation’s achievements over the past decade highlight its role in shaping the future of public sector procurement, driving innovation, and delivering lasting value.
Committed to evolving and adapting to achieve its ambitious objectives
