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John Houlden

Partner

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About

John heads our Public Sector team as well as the Procurement and Subsidy Control services for clients. He is a highly experienced and recognised expert in relation to procurement issues and projects generally.

He has a track record of advising on high-profile and complex regulated procurements across a number of sectors. This also includes advising on the management of actual or potential challenges. He acts for central government departments, NDPBs, executive agencies, local authorities, utilities and private sector bodies advising on projects across various sectors (including energy, transport, defence, financial services, education, health and built environment).

John is qualified to practise law in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland and currently leads Burges Salmon’s community engagement programme. He is also a Board Member of the Procurement Lawyers Association.

He is recognised as a leader in his field by Chambers (UK Band 1 rated), Legal 500 and Who’s Who Legal. He is a regular speaker and commentator on procurement and subsidy control issues.

Experience

  • Department of Health and Social Care/UK Health Security Agency: Advising on the procurement of all rapid-testing lateral flow devices for the UK.
  • UK Atomic Energy Authority: Advising on the development of its procurement strategy and programme for the development of a new nuclear fusion reactor.
  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Advising on various procurements including the procurements for facilities management services across the FCDO’s global estate.
  • A global cloud service provider: Advising on its procurement and commercial issues across both public and private sectors in EMEA and advising it on its response to government tenders.
  • Bristol City Council: Advising on the structuring and delivery of the procurement of “City Leap” – a £1 billion partnership to support the Council’s 2030 zero carbon objective.
  • Transport for Wales and Welsh Government: Advising on the procurement of the Wales and Borders franchise (value over £1 billion).

Credentials

  • Admitted as a solicitor: England & Wales (1999); Northern Ireland (2016)

Areas of expertise

Sector focus

Office

“John is great to work with and is pragmatic, commercial and sophisticated in his approach.”

Chambers UK 2025

“John's helpful and pragmatic attitude makes him a first port of call in many situations, and he possesses a wealth of expertise.”

Chambers UK, 2025

“He has highlighted risk areas in procurement law and helped us navigate a difficult path to achieve the outcomes we are looking to achieve for our project.”

Chambers UK, 2025

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