The UK government is building a centralized digital marketplace to overhaul how public sector agencies buy technology. The National Digital Exchange (NDX), now under development, will use AI to match buyers with pre-approved suppliers and integrate peer reviews to flag underperforming tools. Officials estimate the platform could save £1.2 billion annually.
Tighter Spend Controls
The platform will allow buyers to rate suppliers post-implementation, improving oversight in a space where only 28% of agencies currently monitor value delivery, according to government data.
“NDX will make it faster, fairer, and focused on what works—with real reviews, upfront pricing, and smart AI to match buyers with the right suppliers in hours,” said Feryal Clark, Minister for AI and Digital Government in an official statement. “It’s a clear example of our Plan for Change in action: cutting waste, boosting innovation, and backing British tech to deliver better public services.”
Opening Access and Accountability
NDX is also positioned to expand small-business participation by 40% over three years. Streamlined onboarding and standardized terms are expected to reduce friction for SMEs. A digital playbook and built-in social-value scoring will guide procurement teams toward transparent and sustainable sourcing. The platform will operate under updated procurement regulations focused on transparency and long-term value.
The move comes as departments face criticism for fragmented procurement and limited oversight. A parliamentary report in June warned that many NHS trusts and councils negotiate separately for similar software, missing opportunities to leverage scale.
Digital Efficiency Doesn’t Eliminate Commercial Risk
While platforms like NDX promise faster procurement and broader access, speed can also compress due diligence. Centralized marketplaces risk over-relying on AI-matched suppliers without rigorous commercial vetting, especially as small and emerging vendors scale up to meet new demand. As public buyers accelerate sourcing cycles, they may need new governance tools to track delivery quality as closely as contract speed.
