Procurement Insights & Guides

25 May 2026

PPN 03/24 Explained: What It Means for Construction Pre-Qualification

Procurement Policy Note PPN 03/24 is UK Government guidance, issued in March 2024, that directs public sector contracting authorities to use the Common Assessment Standard (CAS) when pre-qualifying suppliers for construction works. For public sector projects above the £5.337 million threshold, CAS is now the preferred pre-qualification method, replacing PAS 91. PPN 03/24 is guidance to buyers rather than a law imposed on contractors - but in practice it means CAS compliance is increasingly a gate to public sector construction work. This guide explains what PPN 03/24 says, who it affects and what suppliers and buyers should do about it.

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25 May 2026

What Is the Common Assessment Standard (CAS)? A Complete Guide

The Common Assessment Standard (CAS) is the UK construction industry's standardised pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ), developed by Build UK. It replaced PAS 91 - which was withdrawn by BSI in April 2023 and is now the preferred pre-qualification method for public sector construction procurement under Procurement Policy Note PPN 03/24. CAS uses a single industry-agreed question set, divided into 10 sections, that lets a supplier prove their capability and compliance once and share it with multiple buyers. The current Version 5 (published 1 July 2025) made the Building Safety section mandatory. Around 21,000 suppliers now hold CAS certification through one of seven Recognised Assessment Bodies.

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20 May 2026

How to Score Supplier Risk

Not all suppliers carry the same level of risk. Some suppliers may be financially stable, highly compliant and operationally reliable, while others may introduce significant risks that could impact project delivery, compliance, safety or reputation. However, many organisations still assess suppliers inconsistently, often relying on subjective judgement, spreadsheets or incomplete information. A structured supplier risk scoring process helps organisations make more informed decisions by identifying, measuring and prioritising supplier risk in a consistent and measurable way. This article explains how to score supplier risk step by step and includes a practical supplier risk matrix approach that can be used across construction and supply chain operations.

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18 May 2026

How to Validate ISO Certifications

ISO certifications are often used as a key indicator of supplier quality, safety and operational standards but simply receiving a certificate does not guarantee compliance. Expired documents, invalid certificates and misrepresented accreditations can create significant risk if they go unchecked. Whether you’re onboarding a new supplier, carrying out a compliance review or completing a supplier audit, knowing how to properly validate ISO certifications is an essential part of supplier due diligence. This guide explains exactly how to review and verify ISO certifications step by step.

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11 May 2026

The Hidden Risks of Inaccurate Supplier Data in Construction Supply Chains

Accurate supplier data is the foundation of effective supply chain management, yet it is often overlooked. In construction, where supply chains are complex and compliance requirements are strict, poor supplier data can create significant operational, financial and compliance risks. Something as simple as an incorrect company name, outdated insurance information or duplicate supplier records can lead to delays, audit failures, payment issues and exposure to unnecessary risk. As organisations increasingly rely on data to make decisions, maintaining accurate supplier information is no longer an administrative task, it is a critical part of supply chain governance.

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22 Apr 2026

Supplier Compliance for Tier 1 Contractors

For Tier 1 contractors, supplier compliance is not just a procurement task, it’s a critical part of delivering safe, high-quality and legally compliant projects. As supply chains become more complex and regulatory requirements continue to tighten, ensuring that every supplier meets the required standards is increasingly challenging. Poor compliance management can lead to project delays, health and safety incidents, financial penalties and reputational damage. This guide explores how Tier 1 contractors manage supplier compliance and what best practice looks like in 2026.

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15 Apr 2026

Spreadsheet vs Digital Supplier Management: What’s Best for UK Construction?

For years, spreadsheets have been the default tool for managing suppliers in construction. They’re familiar, flexible and easy to set up. But as supply chains become more complex and compliance requirements increase, many organisations are starting to ask: Is Excel still enough? This article compares spreadsheet-based supplier management vs digital systems, helping you understand the risks, limitations and when it’s time to move on.

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13 Apr 2026

How to Review a Supplier’s Insurance Certificate (Step-by-Step Guide)

Reviewing a supplier’s insurance certificate is a critical step in supplier onboarding and compliance but it’s often rushed or overlooked. Many organisations simply check that a document exists, without properly validating whether it is accurate, current and sufficient for the work being carried out. This can expose projects to significant risk, including invalid cover, insufficient limits, gaps in protection and non-compliance with contract requirements. This guide walks you through exactly how to review a supplier’s insurance certificate step by step.

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06 Apr 2026

How to Run a Supplier Audit (Checklist for UK Construction)

Supplier audits are a critical part of managing risk in construction projects. Whether you're onboarding new suppliers or reviewing existing ones, a structured audit process ensures your supply chain remains compliant, reliable and high-performing. However, many organisations either skip audits entirely or approach them inconsistently, leading to missed risks and compliance gaps. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to running a supplier audit, along with a practical checklist tailored for UK construction.

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30 Mar 2026

Supply Chain Risks in Renewable Energy Projects (UK Guide for 2026)

The UK’s transition to renewable energy is accelerating rapidly, with major investment in wind, solar and energy infrastructure projects. However, behind this growth lies a critical challenge: supply chain risk. From material shortages to supplier compliance issues, renewable energy projects are increasingly exposed to disruption. Without the right controls in place, these risks can lead to delays, cost overruns and reputational damage. This guide explores the key supply chain risks in UK renewable energy projects and how to manage them effectively.

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