With the M&E contracting market in the UK worth around £20bn and making up almost a fifth of the construction sector’s GDP, it’s a subsector that makes sure buildings operate smoothly, providing them with the ‘power tools’ to run.
Frameworks provide a different route to procuring suppliers in this significant area of the construction market in a wholly compliant manner. Rather than them being appointed later on as a subcontractor, they can be appointed via a framework in a lead role, thereby giving the procuring public sector body greater assurance on quality and certainty on delivery.
That’s exactly where our Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Solutions Framework – managed and delivered on behalf of contracting authority Cumbria, Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear NHS Trust – comes in, allowing public sector organisations to directly access the expertise offered by specialist M&E contractors.
Standout projects include a £6.6m fire alarm panel replacement carried out by Emico at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for Gloucestershire Managed Services, and the installation of a variable refrigerant flow system, electrical intake and replacement lighting by NG Bailey for the London Borough of Merton in a project worth more than £4.4m.
Framework Manager, Rebecca Oglesby, said: “It’s great to reflect on the framework’s first year and see that it’s providing value to both M&E contractors and the public sector it was created for. There has been a stream of opportunities coming through for suppliers and a healthy mix of direct awards and further competitions too.
“Traditionally, M&E works are undertaken by subcontractors that usually hold a less influential position within a wider supply chain, but our framework allows M&E businesses to operate within a project lead role. We recognise the importance they hold within the built environment and feel they should be awarded work as a lead contractor to enjoy the benefits of what that brings.”
The framework will run for a total of four years until 2027 and features 47 regional and national contractors, of which 74% are SMEs. Three lots covering mechanical projects, electrical projects, and combined projects, with sublots graded by scheme value.
It’s open for all types of public sector organisations to procure through for a wide range of sectors. Those looking to find out more about the framework and download the user guide should click here.
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