Published date: 16 February 2026

Awarded contract - This means that the contract has been awarded to a supplier.


Closing: 20 February 2024, 12pm

Contract summary

Industry

  • Social research services - 79315000

Location of contract

SW1P 4DF

Value of contract

£114,219

Procurement reference

CF-0606900D8d000003VQwdEAG

Published date

16 February 2026

Closing date

20 February 2024

Closing time

12pm

Contract start date

16 February 2026

Contract end date

1 May 2027

Contract type

Service contract

Procedure type

Call-off from a framework agreement

A mini-competition or direct purchase from a pre-established framework agreement.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

No

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

The updated SPS (PLUS) Agreement introduces new compliance requirements aimed at simplifying agri-food trade between the UK and EU by reducing border checks and administrative burdens while maintaining food safety and biosecurity standards. These changes promise significant benefits, including increased UK exports and improved supply chain efficiency. However, SMEs, key players in food production and trade, face resource constraints and competing priorities, creating behavioural barriers that risk delaying readiness.

Currently, there is limited understanding of what SMEs need to comply with SPS (PLUS) and the behavioural factors influencing their ability to adapt. These include attitudes toward regulation, perceived complexity, capacity limitations, and motivational drivers. Without targeted, evidence-based interventions, policy implementation risks being generic and less effective.

This research will fill that gap by identifying behavioural barriers and enablers using the COM-B framework (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation). It will map friction points such as paperwork overload and unclear guidance, segment SMEs by readiness level, and design tailored interventions to support compliance. Methods will include evidence review, gap analysis, interviews, workshops, and survey enhancements, culminating in a behavioural map and practical toolkit.

The findings will inform Defra's Business Readiness Directorate and Communication teams, enabling them to embed behavioural insights into programme design and communications. By addressing behavioural drivers, this project will ensure SMEs are equipped and motivated to comply efficiently, supporting timely implementation of SPS (PLUS) and maximising its trade benefits.

Award information

Awarded date

11 February 2026

Contract start date

16 February 2026

Contract end date

1 May 2027

Total value of contract

£114,219

This contract was awarded to 1 supplier.

Thinks Insight and Strategy (Britain Thinks) Limited

Address

West Wing, Somerset House, London WC2R 1HL

Reference

None

About the buyer

Contact name

Defra Group Commercial

Address

Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
UK

Telephone

03459335577

Email

procurement@defra.gov.uk