Setting the Direction for 2026: Procurement Group Focus

Constructing Excellence

The latest Constructing Excellence Procurement Group session was all about looking forward. As we approach the end of 2025, the group came together to explore what our priorities should be for 2026 and beyond. The discussion focused on how procurement can continue to drive positive change across the construction sector, aligning with broader industry trends and supporting transformation in practical, achievable ways. From digital integration to behaviour-driven strategies, the session provided a platform to shape the next phase of our work and ensure that procurement remains a catalyst for improvement.

Digital and Procurement Alignment

One of the standout themes was the growing importance of digital integration within procurement strategies. The Digital Group will be relaunched later this year with a clear mandate: to identify priorities for 2026 and ensure alignment with other Constructing Excellence working groups. This collaborative approach will help us understand where digital tools and processes can enhance procurement practices and deliver better outcomes for clients and the supply chain.

Making Strategy Accessible

Constructing Excellence is shifting its communication strategy to make it more accessible and actionable. Rather than presenting strategy as a high-level concept, the focus will be on behaviour-driven guidance that members can relate to and apply in their day-to-day roles. This change reflects our commitment to supporting practical implementation, not just theoretical ambition.

The Power of Small Steps

Transformation can feel daunting, but as the group discussed, “a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” Organisational change is not that dissimilar to personal habits—big, sudden changes often fail, while incremental progress is far more sustainable. For procurement professionals, this means focusing on achievable actions that build momentum over time, rather than aiming for wholesale transformation overnight.

People at the Heart of Change

The session highlighted a powerful insight: change is about people. Strategies and frameworks only succeed when individuals feel empowered to make a difference. By breaking down complex goals into manageable steps and fostering collaboration across groups, we can create a culture where everyone plays a role in driving improvement.

What’s Next?
  • The Procurement Group will continue to work closely with the Digital Group and other networks to ensure alignment and shared priorities.
  • Members can expect more accessible, behaviour-focused resources to help embed best practice.
  • We’ll keep championing incremental change as the most effective route to transformation.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this session. Your insights are shaping the future of procurement and helping us deliver on our mission to improve performance across the construction industry. To join us for future Procurement Group meetings, keep an eye on our events page where we will release 2026 dates.