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Publicly funded organisations must deliver value when it comes to procuring works, goods and services, delivering cost efficient solutions and smart processes.

In a fast-paced, post-Brexit, post-Covid19 landscape, effective procurement requires an up-to-date working knowledge of current and proposed legislation and best practice.

We specialise in delivering compliant, smart procurement that avoids challenge. Our skills have been honed over many years helping organisations create, manage and execute efficient and effective procurement policies, designed to create best value across the board.

Our team of specialists offers a 360-degree procurement solution. We can project manage and provide expert legal input at all stages, helping to shape tenders, advise on negotiations and draft state-of-the-art contract terms to create efficient contracting.

And if you’re a private sector company tendering for public sector contracts, or procuring goods and services on behalf of the public sector; our team of experts is here to help.

Our strength lies in our detailed understanding of the issues facing both public and private sector bodies including process, frameworks, best value, efficiency savings, sustainability and above all getting the right result.

Occasionally, there are legal challenges. When this happens we can advise on both raising and defending claims against processes.

So if you want an expert team, specialist in ensuring smooth, creative and effective procurement, we’re here to help.

Our services

Our procurement support services are second to none. They include:

  • Advising on cost effective processes and solutions
  • Complimentary annual half day update seminars
  • Complimentary helpline services to one of our dedicated specialists
  • Drafting of bespoke procurement and contract documents and processes
  • Handling challenges
  • Advising on time efficient routes to market
  • Mini, full-time and virtual secondments to ensure you are fully resourced for bigger projects or to cover staff absences
  • One to one training
  • Trouble shooting
  • Weekly nutshell briefings to keep you up-to-date

Contact a specialist

Melanie Pears

Partner | Head of Public Sector

+44 (0) 330 137 3451

+44 (0)789 987 8424

Email Melanie Pears

Read bio

Tim Care

Partner | Public Sector

+44 (0) 330 137 3458

+44 (0) 752 590 3378

Email Tim Care

Read bio

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What people say

  • It was a pleasure working with you guys... I think we ended up with a strong contract and robust procurement - evidenced by the FBC sailing through central approvals. Remarkable team effort.

    Kyle McClelland, Project Director, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • You [Melanie Pears] and your team have played a key role in getting us to where we are now. You have fitted into the team really well and have given us good and pragmatic advice along the way. I have worked with a number of legal firms over the years. My experience is that progress is made when there is a real understanding – both ways – of the issues and context. You and your team have provided this, so very many thanks for your contribution.

    David Hartshorne, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • My heartfelt thanks for all of your support over the years which I have appreciated and valued greatly. You've given fantastic service to the NHS and this is highly valued. I have appreciated your help and friendship too.

    Michael Smillie, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
  • Melanie Pears is a go-to adviser on NHS-related PFI projects.

    Legal 500
  • The team are highly professional with excellent knowledge of the NHS and in particular the Ambulance Service. They are very reliable and promptly respond to clients requests. Ward Hadaway are an exceptionally client-focused firm who truly work in partnership with Trust. Overall we have an extremely good working relationship providing high quality and value for money.

    Alan Gallagher, Head of Risk and Regulatory Services, North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
  • We have a real sense of a fresh approach from Ward Hadaway in terms of client engagement which is providing the Trust with added value benefits in terms of both cost and quality of service.

    Paul Dowell MCIPS, Deputy Head of Procurement & Supplies, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust
  • In all areas their advice has been prompt and reliable. Their knowledge of the relevant legislation in these areas has been excellent and very helpful to the Trust.

    Kevin Lewis, Procurement & Contracts Manager, North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust
  • I continue to find the members of Ward Hadaway to be both personable and proactive and they are always on call to discuss any queries we may have. The team provide accurate, timely and balanced advice, are willing to 'go the extra mile' and are very good at offering options for minimising legal expenditure.

    Chris Parsons, Director of Estates and Facilities, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust

What we're thinking