TLT expands near-legal public procurement service

Following the successful launch of its near-legal public procurement offering, which adds highly valuable consultancy services to its existing legal expertise, UK law firm TLT has appointed Heidi Parker as a senior procurement consultant to address growing client demand.

Heidi was previously responsible for all procurement matters and compliance at Cambridge City Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, where she worked for six and a half years. Before then, she was a category manager for construction at Tower Hamlets Council and began her career in various sectors within the construction industry.

Known for her experience in managing complex procurement projects and thinking outside the box to design effective procurement processes (with specific focus around the drafting of selection and award questions and evaluation criteria), Heidi is currently working on a Masters in Public Procurement Law and Policy and writing a dissertation on revolutionising standing orders.

The public procurement team offers a unique blend of services to clients, combining market-leading legal advice on procurement procedure from a compliance point of view, with strategic advice and support on the procurement process to transform efficiency and add value.

At a time when procurement functions are facing more scrutiny than ever before, and more bidders are challenging decisions, the team looks at procurement matters holistically, helping clients to design compliance into their procurements from the outset, to avoid challenges and to prepare for any potential disputes or investigations but without compromising on positive commercial outcomes.

In the last year, the team has supported central government departments and major businesses including in the nuclear industry with large, strategic projects, working at scale and at speed.

Iain Steel, who leads the near-legal procurement team, says: “I’m delighted that Heidi has decided to join TLT. Co-partnering is the best way for public sector clients in particular to access talent like Heidi – to enhance what they’re doing and protect themselves from a potential challenge.

“We’ve proven time and again that clients need this unique blend of legal and technical advice from senior procurement professionals, and we’re seeing an increase in demand. It’s also a great way for in-house lawyers to show they’re getting more from their law firms.”

Heidi Parker, senior consultant at TLT, says: “I’ve worked with a lot of law firms, and I’ve never been offered the kind of support that TLT has designed. It’s a real pleasure to join such a forward-thinking firm that recognises the needs of its clients and responds with the right solutions.

“I’m looking forward to supporting our clients with their complex projects, and having a wider impact on local government and the drive to professionalise procurement functions.”