MEAT vs MAT: what does value look like for your organisation?

As the Procurement Act 2023 edges closer to implementation, it’s a perfect moment to step back and reflect on what value really means for your organisation. While the shift from MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) to MAT (Most Advantageous Tender) might seem subtle on paper, its implications for public sector procurement are profound. This change is about more than semantics - it’s about redefining how we approach value across capital programmes and development projects, from construction and refits to decarbonisation and community regeneration.

So, what does value mean to you? And how can your procurement decisions unlock that value in the spaces you create?

Value beyond cost

For years, cost has dominated procurement decisions. However, the shift to MAT empowers the public sector to consider what’s truly important to those in their communities. Instead of following the lowest cost bid, MAT encourages tenders to be evaluated based on what aligns best with the organisation’s specific goals. Value isn’t just about the bottom line; it encompasses:

• Social value: Things to be considered here could include how a project supports local priorities and whether it can address challenges such as unemployment and skills shortages, or improve community wellbeing.
• Environmental impact: When it comes to sustainability, value can be derived from areas such as carbon reduction, improving energy efficiency, and contributing to an organisation's net-zero goals. Ultimately this can create long-term savings through reduced operational and maintenance costs.
• Economic growth: A project may help to stimulate the local economy by using local suppliers, creating jobs, and attracting investment.

At its heart, MAT offers an opportunity to shape projects that truly make a difference - not just for today, but for the future.

Defining value for your organisation

Every organisation is different, and so are its priorities. To help you navigate this change, here are some questions to consider:

What are your key priorities?
Whether it is tackling unemployment, achieving net-zero, or revitalising community spaces, understanding your goals is critical. These priorities can shape decisions that create meaningful and lasting impact.

For instance, focusing on employment opportunities can transform communities. In Stockport, aligning with the One Stockport strategy prioritised prosperity by creating jobs tailored to local needs.

Sustainability goals can also inspire innovative solutions. At TBC.London, retrofitting with a reduced carbon footprint was achieved by sourcing and reusing pre-1940s steel, proving that sustainability and heritage can work together seamlessly.

Similarly, bold steps toward net-zero targets can set a strong example for the future. In Leicestershire, the delivery of net-zero carbon in operation schools is helping the county move closer to its 2045 ambitions, creating energy-efficient spaces for learning.

How do you measure success?
Success can mean different things to different organisations. It might be delivering a project on time and within budget, or it could be the long-term impact a project has on the lives of those it touches. Defining what success looks like at the outset can help shape decisions and ensure projects deliver real value.

At Kingshurst, investing in skills training during the project didn’t just ensure smooth delivery - it left a lasting legacy. Training opportunities provided for local people, like the gateman who gained valuable qualifications, helped build skills that extend far beyond the construction phase. This focus on long-term benefits demonstrates how measuring success can go beyond immediate outcomes to create opportunities that truly transform lives.

What role does sustainability play in your vision?
With increasing pressure to decarbonise, sustainability is no longer a "nice-to-have" but a core element of creating meaningful impact. Embedding sustainability into your projects not only helps meet environmental targets, but also delivers long-term value by reducing operational costs and improving community wellbeing.

At the Queen’s Medical Centre, we replaced over 12,000 ageing windows with high-performance, energy-efficient alternatives. This upgrade is expected to reduce carbon by reducing heat loss and enhancing thermal efficiency. Not only does this contribute to a more sustainable future for the hospital, but it also reduces energy costs, demonstrating how small, focused improvements can have a big impact.

How we can help

The Act brings important changes, but there’s no need to face this transition alone. At Willmott Dixon, we are here to help you navigate this new landscape, whilst ensuring your projects remain on track. By leveraging Gold Standard verified frameworks - such as SCAPE, Crown Commercial Service, Procurement Hub - and other frameworks that are already closely aligned with the key goals of the Act, we can simplify procurement processes together.

We believe in collaboration and finding solutions that work for you. Here’s how we can support you in navigating this change:

• Tailored social value initiatives: from creating local jobs to delivering community programmes, we can design high-impact initiatives that address the challenges you're facing
• Consultative guidance: we can work with you to help you define what value means for your projects and align outcomes with your strategic goals.
• Sustainable solutions: we consider decarbonisation and circular economy principles in every project and integrate them, where suitable, to help you achieve your sustainability targets
• Collaboration and transparency: our frameworks simplify procurement and foster open communication, ensuring your priorities drive every decision

Let’s redefine value together

The Procurement Act represents an opportunity to rethink what procurement can achieve. It’s a chance to shift the conversation from cost-cutting to community-building, from short-term savings to long-term success. We’ve created a guide to help public sector organisations explore the possibilities of the MAT approach. It’s packed with insights, practical advice, and examples to inspire your next steps.

Download a copy of our Procurement Guide here

Let’s work together to create spaces that go beyond the blueprint and leave a lasting legacy.

Keep an eye out for more content to help you stay ahead, and feel free to contact me for further support.