22 micro businesses join new framework

Scotland Excel’s first-generation Property Maintenance and Refurbishment framework has gone live with 53 Scottish SMEs joining the framework – 22 of which are micro businesses.

A total of 88 suppliers – 86 of which are Scottish - have been awarded a place on the framework which will help councils, housing associations and other public bodies source the wide range of services needed to refurbish and maintain properties.

The framework went live on 16th June 2023 and has 15 lots:
• Bathrooms
• Electrical
• Fencing and gates
• Flooring
• Heating
• Joinery
• Kitchens
• Painting and decorating
• Plastering and ceramic tiling works
• Plumbing
• Renewables
• Roofing
• Ventilation
• Windows and doors
• Multi trades

During the tender process, all lots were divided into 12 geographical regions to give businesses the opportunity to bid for one, some or all regions. This approach gave Scottish SMEs the chance to bid for the areas they were able to service.

To boost local SME engagement Scotland Excel held multiple events with the Supplier Development Programme both online and in person to signpost to the tender opportunity and support businesses to take part in the framework opportunity.

This resulted in a positive outcome with 57 SMEs and 30 micro organisations submitting a bid, with 53 SMEs and 22 micro businesses joining the framework.

The framework will be in place for a two-year period, with the option to extend for a further 24 months. It is anticipated the framework will be worth £300m over the maximum four-year term.

The framework will offer councils best value, with all suppliers’ tendered daywork rates fixed for 12 months. It joins Scotland Excel’s portfolio, which offers public bodies a full suite of specialist construction contracts.