Oldham Procurement Guide 2026: Public Sector Buying Rules

Greater Manchester's transport authority has unveiled its 2026 procurement guide, setting out how public money will be spent on everything from IT equipment to the revolutionary Bee Network transport system.

The new rules, coming into force from February 2025, ban cold calling and require suppliers to be treated equally-meaning no more popping in for a coffee and a chat to win business.

Transport for Greater Manchester's procurement team delivered £1.6 million in savings last year by working with other authorities and prioritising local businesses and SMEs.

All tenders above £2 million will now be advertised on the government's Find a Tender portal, while award notices appear on Contracts Finder, making the process more transparent than ever before.

The guide also explains how bus franchising for the Bee Network will work differently, with opportunities for operators to get involved as the region transforms its public transport.