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Publish Date : 18-Mar-2015

The reclassification of Network Rail as a public sector body brought a "great opportunity" to enhance procurement processes.
Network Rail's commercial director, Jim Carter, said the change had led the organisation to accelerate payment times and standardise its pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ).

Although Network Rail had to earlier fulfill the needs of the Utilities Contracts Regulations for all procurements related to the operation of the railways, for other procurement it was categorized as a company and was not required to follow EU procedures.

However, the organization was reclassified on 1st September last year and due to this it now has to meet the Public Contracts Regulations for all procurement outside that connected to the running of the railways.

Addressing Procurex South in London last week, Carter said average payment times were 55 days in 2013 but this was now 24 days, and 98% of invoices were paid within a month. As well as modifying PQQs, they were also required to include anti-bribery clauses into contracts. Carter added : "I see reclassification as a great opportunity for Network Rail."

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