The general consensus is that the Procurement Act, which is due to come into effect next week (24 February), can be seen as evolutionary rather than revolutionary. However, one notable addition is the use of KPIs. 

With the aim to maximise value and accountability, the act requires projects in excess of £5m to set at least three key performance indicators, which must be published in the contract details notice (on entering into contracts) and then the supplier’s performance against those KPIs published at least every 12 months.

In many respects KPIs have the same familiarity as the shipping forecast. It may feel odd in the 21st century that we need a twice-daily radio broadcast of the weather out at sea in Cromarty, Fair Isle and Dogger. Whether or not the forecast still saves lives at sea or places a nostalgic blanket of comfort over the country on a stormy day may be up for debate, but it does have many devotees (myself included).