If you provide digital, IT or cloud-based services, the upcoming G-Cloud 15 framework could be one of the biggest opportunities of 2025. Worth an estimated £14 billion, this Crown Commercial Service (CCS) framework allows public-sector buyers to purchase cloud hosting, software and support services quickly and compliantly from pre-approved suppliers.
But joining G-Cloud isn’t automatic and competition is fierce.
For small and medium-sized businesses, preparation is everything. The good news? With the right approach, you can position your company to win contracts that not only boost your revenue but also enhance your credibility across the UK public sector.
Here are 6 steps to make sure your business is G-Cloud 15 ready.
1. Understand What G-Cloud 15 Is and Why It Matters
G-Cloud 15 is the latest version of the government’s long-running digital procurement framework, designed to make it easier for public-sector organisations to buy trusted cloud services. It’s split into these main Lots:
New Lot structure:
- Lot 1a – IaaS/PaaS: Cloud Service Suppliers and Resellers
- Lot 1b – IaaS/PaaS: Defence and Security Suppliers Only
- Lot 2a – SaaS: Infrastructure/Service Management SaaS Only
- Lot 2b – All Other SaaS
- Lot 3 – Cloud Support: Including MSPs
Suppliers apply to be listed on the framework through a tender process managed by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS). Once approved, your services are listed on the Digital Marketplace, where government departments, councils, the NHS and other public bodies can buy from you directly — no separate tenders required.
For businesses, it’s a major gateway into the public sector. Over £15 billion has already been spent through earlier G-Cloud versions, and almost 40% of that went to SMEs.
2. Know the Key Dates for G-cloud 15
The G-Cloud 15 procurement is now on the horizon. While CCS is finalising the full timetable, the current schedule indicates:
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Tender release: October 2025
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Clarification period: Until December 2025
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Submission deadline: January 2026
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Framework live: Expected September 2026
That might sound a long way off, but in bidding terms, it’s closer than it seems. Preparing now gives you time to review your finances, policies and documentation — so you’re ready to act when applications open.
3. Get Your Compliance House in Order
One of the biggest stumbling blocks for new suppliers is non-compliance. The G-Cloud application process is heavily document-driven, and CCS applies strict minimum standards. Here’s what you’ll need to get right early:
Cyber Security
You’ll need Cyber Essentials certification (and in many cases, Cyber Essentials Plus). Public-sector buyers must be able to trust that your systems meet baseline security standards.
Data Protection
Demonstrate compliance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Be prepared to describe how you handle, store and protect data — especially for cloud hosting and software services.
Insurance
Standard levels include £5 million public liability, £5 million employer’s liability (if applicable), and £1–2 million professional indemnity cover. Check the G-Cloud 15 ITT documents when they’re released for confirmation.
Policies and Procedures
You’ll be asked to upload or reference policies such as:
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Information security
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Business continuity
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Equality, diversity and inclusion
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Modern slavery
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Environmental or sustainability policy
Having these ready — reviewed and up to date — will save you days during the submission phase.
4. Strengthen Your Financial and Organisational Standing
CCS checks that suppliers are financially stable and capable of delivering. If your accounts show volatility, low working capital or high debt, it can raise red flags.
Before applying:
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Review your latest accounts and make sure they’re filed and up to date.
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Resolve any outstanding compliance issues (HMRC, Companies House, etc.).
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If you’ve grown rapidly or recently restructured, prepare an explanation — CCS may request supporting context.
Even if your business is small, clear financial management and realistic pricing go a long way. You don’t need a huge turnover; you just need to demonstrate that you can meet contractual obligations responsibly.
5. Build a Winning Service Description
Getting listed is only half the job. The real success comes when buyers choose your service.
Each listing on the Digital Marketplace has a service description — effectively your online shop window. Buyers use these to shortlist and select suppliers, so clarity is crucial.
A good listing should:
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Use plain language (avoid jargon or internal acronyms).
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Clearly state what your service does and who it’s for.
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Include measurable benefits: time savings, cost efficiency, improved performance, etc.
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Highlight compliance standards (e.g. ISO 27001, ITIL frameworks).
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Include relevant pricing models — CCS requires transparency and clarity on how buyers will be charged.
Pro tip: Think like a buyer. They’re often under pressure to demonstrate value, mitigate risk, and achieve outcomes fast. Your listing should make it easy for them to see how your solution ticks those boxes.
6. Don’t Forget Social Value and Sustainability
Public procurement is no longer just about price and capability — it’s also about impact.
Under the Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21, all central government contracts must consider social value. That means suppliers who can demonstrate positive community, economic or environmental benefits score higher.
For G-Cloud 15, you’ll likely need to:
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Provide a Carbon Reduction Plan, outlining how you monitor and reduce emissions.
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Demonstrate social-value initiatives such as supporting local employment, diversity, volunteering, or skills training.
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Show commitment to ethical supply-chain management and modern-slavery prevention.
Don’t treat this as a box-ticking exercise — a clear, authentic approach helps you stand out. Even small businesses can show meaningful impact: perhaps you source locally, use energy-efficient data centres, or invest in staff training.
Bonus Tip: Plan for Post-Listing Success
Many businesses make the mistake of thinking that being accepted onto G-Cloud guarantees sales. It doesn’t.
To win contracts, you’ll need to market your listing:
- Update your website to promote your G-Cloud status.
- Use LinkedIn to share your service listings and success stories.
- Network with public-sector decision-makers and framework users.
- Consider partnering with other framework suppliers to deliver combined solutions.
The most successful G-Cloud suppliers are proactive — they treat their framework presence as a live sales channel, not a one-off listing.
How Thornton & Lowe Can Help
At Thornton & Lowe, we’ve supported hundreds of UK businesses to secure places on major public-sector frameworks — including multiple G-Cloud iterations.
Our bid specialists can help you:
- Review your readiness and documentation.
- Identify which Lots to apply for.
- Write compliant, persuasive service descriptions.
- Develop social-value and sustainability statements that score.
- Submit your tender correctly and on time.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or an existing supplier looking to expand, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish — maximising your chances of success.
Ready to start preparing?
G-Cloud 15 will open up huge opportunities for cloud, IT and digital service providers across the UK. But those who prepare early will have the advantage.
📞 Contact Thornton & Lowe today to arrange your G-Cloud 15 readiness review and start positioning your business for public-sector success.
