The UK’s biggest procurement transformation in a generation is now live - but what does it really mean in practice?
In this episode of Powering Procurement, host Sian Lloyd and Gareth Burch sit down with Lindsay Maguire, Deputy Director for Procurement Reform at the UK Cabinet Office, to unpack the thinking, ambition and real-world impact behind the new Procurement Act.
Lindsay has played a central role in reshaping the UK’s post-Brexit procurement regime, championing transparency, flexibility, fair competition, and better access for SMEs. Her work spans everything from designing the new central digital platform to shifting evaluation from MEAT to MAT, embedding social value, and modernising how public bodies engage with markets.
Together, Sian, Gareth and Lindsay explore:
How the Procurement Act was shaped, and why flexibility and proportionality matter
What early adopters are already doing differently - and the innovations emerging across the UK
The rise of pre-market engagement and why it’s transforming supplier relationships
The power of transparency: from pipelines to KPIs and contract performance
Why culture, capability and systems are just as important as legislation
How the new regime aims to open doors for SMEs and drive fairer competition
Insightful, practical and future-focused, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating - or curious about - the new procurement landscape.
In this episode of Powering Procurement, host Sian Lloyd is joined by Paula Corfield, Senior Procurement Manager at Monmouthshire Building Society. With more than 20 years of experience spanning manufacturing, infrastructure, policing and finance, Paula has led procurement through complex change, cultural transformation and strategy development across multiple sectors.
Together, Sian and Paula explore:
How public-sector experience shaped Paula’s leadership and values
The vital role of social value and community impact in both public and private procurement
Breaking down barriers and building trust across teams and suppliers
The importance of communication, adaptability and emotional intelligence in leading change
Encouraging more women into senior procurement roles through mentoring and visibility
Candid, inspiring and full of practical insights, this conversation shines a light on the human side of procurement - from resilience and leadership to purpose and progress.
In this episode of Powering Procurement, host Sian Lloyd is joined by Sam Pickford, Head of Procurement at British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution. With over 15 years of experience spanning transport, social care, finance, and international investment, Sam brings a rare blend of public sector depth and commercial edge.
From leading a £320 million rolling stock renewal for London Underground to building a procurement function that now supports investments across Africa and Asia, Sam’s career offers powerful lessons on resilience, risk, and purpose-driven procurement.
Together, Sian and Sam explore:
The unique challenges of procurement in emerging markets
Balancing commercial priorities with social and development impact
What Brexit, Covid and global supply shocks have taught us about resilience
How AI and technology are reshaping procurement strategies
Why saying “yes” to opportunities can unlock a truly diverse career
Candid, insightful, and refreshingly pragmatic, this episode shines a light on the evolving role of procurement and why it’s a career path worth celebrating.
In this episode of Powering Procurement, host Sian Lloyd is joined by Dominic Hastings, Chief Procurement Officer at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
With a career spanning public and private sectors - from the Foreign Office to NATS and now leading procurement at one of the UK’s most influential regulators - Dominic brings a wealth of experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management and team leadership.
Together, Sian and Dominic explore:
How to build and sustain high-performing procurement teams in fast-changing environments
What the UK’s procurement reform means in practice, and how to embrace the new freedoms
The role of digital transformation in creating space for strategic impact
Why procurement’s voice must be heard in the language of business, not just procurement
The opportunities (and realities) of AI for procurement professionals today
From Oxford PPE graduate to global development, consultancy and now regulatory leadership, Dominic’s career is a testament to curiosity, adaptability and a passion for people. This conversation shines a light on why procurement remains such a rewarding and impactful profession.
In this episode of Powering Procurement, host Sian Lloyd is joined by Harinder Bansal, Head of Procurement and Third Party Risk Management at Motability Operations.
Harinder has built his career across retail, pharma, consulting and now one of the UK’s largest fleet operators, supporting more than 800,000 disabled customers.
Beyond procurement and risk, he also leads Motability’s Reach Network, championing equity and inclusion, and serves as Chair of Steps Charity. His work sits at the intersection of purpose, innovation and sustainability.
Together, Sian and Harinder explore how procurement teams can drive genuine environmental and social impact, from embedding ESG into supplier relationships to championing circular economy practices.
Harinder also shares candid insights on setting ambitious net zero targets, building psychological safety in teams, and why diversifying experience beyond procurement can strengthen leadership.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Motability is using its scale to embed ESG and lead the way on sustainability.
Practical approaches for balancing cost pressures with long-term social and environmental value.
The role of data in managing Scope 3 emissions and shaping supplier transparency.
Why networks like Reach matter for building inclusive workplaces.
How charitable and community work can shape leadership style.
If you’re interested in the future of procurement as a driver of change - not just savings - this episode is a must-listen.