John Houlden
UK Guide 2025
Band 1 : Public Procurement
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+44 (0)117 902 2796Share profile
Band 1
About
Provided by John Houlden
Practice Areas
Advises on procurement, subsidy control/state aid, projects, competition and regulatory issues on a number of major projects. Clients include the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Eurostar, FirstGroup, the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Ofcom, Affinity Water, Department for Education, Environment Agency, United Kingdom Research and Innovation, Babcock, Ministry of Justice, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and UK Atomic Energy Authority.
Career
Trained Burges Salmon; qualified 1999; Partner 2008.
Professional Memberships
Board member of the Procurement Lawyers Association.
Publications
Has been published in 'Public Procurement Law Review'.
Personal
Educated at University of Leeds (BA Hons); College of Law (Dip Law; 25+ years PQE). Speaks French and enjoys sports and theatre.
Chambers Review
UK
John Houlden is recognised for his experience advising contracting authorities, utilities and contractors on complex procurement exercises and bid strategy in heavily regulated sectors, not least the nuclear industry. He works on high-value projects across multiple jurisdictions.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"John is great to work with and is pragmatic, commercial and sophisticated in his approach."
"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."
"John's helpful and pragmatic attitude makes him a first port of call in many situations, and he possesses a wealth of expertise."
"John is great to work with and is pragmatic, commercial and sophisticated in his approach."
"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."
"John's helpful and pragmatic attitude makes him a first port of call in many situations, and he possesses a wealth of expertise."