Public procurement and commercial activity underpin how billions of pounds of taxpayers' money is spent each year, directly influencing the quality, efficiency and value of vital services provided to citizens across the country.
As part of the ongoing transformation to strengthen how these services are provided, we are creating the Government Commercial Agency (GCA).
From 1 April 2026, GCA will unite all commercial delivery expertise currently operating across the Cabinet Office's central commercial teams and Crown Commercial Service. This unified agency will drive even greater value for the nation and support the government's commitment to better public services.
What this means for you
GCA will serve the full breadth of the public sector - from central government departments to local authorities, NHS trusts, schools, police and fire services, and voluntary organisations. By consolidating commercial expertise it creates convenient access to specialised support through a single, accountable agency.
By leveraging over £400 billion in annual public sector purchasing power, GCA will negotiate better deals, shape supplier markets to ensure diverse and competitive local options, and provide expert support for complex procurements. For example, a local authority procuring IT equipment will benefit from pre-negotiated frameworks offering better prices, whilst an NHS trust managing a major construction project can access specialist commercial advice throughout the contract lifecycle.
Whether you're procuring for a government department or sourcing supplies for schools, you'll experience streamlined processes, clearer routes to market, and more consistent standards. The ambition of GCA is to provide faster access to specialist commercial advice, stronger supplier relationships, and improved support from initial planning through to contract delivery.
GCA is committed to its 'value for the nation' brand, demonstrating that serving the entire public sector – regardless of organisation size or location – remains at the heart of its mission. This isn't about creating a hierarchy of service; it's about using combined expertise and scale to achieve better outcomes for all public sector customers, taxpayers and citizens.
Delivering the government’s priorities
This change supports the government's Plan for Change by positioning commercial expertise where it can drive the greatest impact. Operating as a self-sustaining trading fund, GCA can reinvest in continuous improvements including enhanced procurement frameworks, improved digital tools, and specialist capabilities.
The agency will help deliver on national and local priorities including stimulating economic growth, creating more opportunities for small businesses and voluntary organisations to supply the public sector, and maximising the benefits of the Procurement Act. GCA will also enable an expanded provision of expert services to the wider public sector.
With Sam Ulyatt as Chief Executive Officer and oversight from Government Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Forzani, GCA will ensure clear accountability and place commercial capability at the heart of government.
Government Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Forzani said: "Government Commercial Agency will centralise commercial activity, set best practices, and drive innovation. I am tremendously excited about working with Sam Ulyatt to build GCA to ensure it becomes the centre for commercial expertise and delivery across the public sector."
Sam Ulyatt, CEO of Crown Commercial Service, added: "We are confident that this enhanced commercial agency, working alongside public sector colleagues, will harness the significant expertise across government and drive greater value for the nation."
Date: 7 November