Lucion Services has been delivering a sustained programme of minor works and asset management across one of the UK’s most complex and diverse property portfolios for Manchester City Council. Since 2018, this has included the provision of specialist asbestos surveying and management services, supporting safe, compliant delivery across the city.
The project was procured via the Professional Services Framework, which we manage on behalf of contracting authority, The Education Alliance Trust. The framework provides a compliant, transparent and efficient route to market, ensuring consistent quality, strong governance and value for money across a high-volume programme of works.
Managing risk across a complex portfolio
Manchester City Council’s CP&P Minor Works team manages around 400 projects each year, ranging in value from £10,000 to over £3 million. The portfolio spans:
• Educational facilities where safeguarding is critical
• Leisure centres operating during peak public use
• Commercial buildings with business continuity requirements
• Public parks and community spaces
• Heritage assets, including Manchester Town Hall
Each asset type presents unique challenges around access, occupation, security, and operational constraints. The Council required a specialist consultant capable of responding at pace, while maintaining consistent standards of safety, compliance and technical assurance.
Emergency responsiveness was also essential. Incidents such as damage caused by severe weather or unforeseen disturbances demand rapid mobilisation, without compromising quality or statutory obligations.
A framework-led, responsive solution
Through a competitive framework process, Lucion Services Ltd was appointed to deliver asbestos surveying and management services across the estate.
The framework route ensured:
• A fully compliant procurement process
• Value for money through pre-agreed commercial terms
• Assurance of technical competence and capacity
• Rapid call-off to meet urgent and planned requirements
Sam Schofield, Professional Services Category Manager, said:
“This programme demonstrates the real strength of a well-managed professional services framework. It enables public sector organisations like Manchester City Council to respond quickly to both planned and emergency requirements, while maintaining full compliance and assurance. The continuity and technical excellence delivered by Lucion Services Ltd highlights how frameworks can drive long-term value, safety and confidence across complex public sector estates.”
Jim Beaumont, Account Manager at Lucion Services, explains:
“Working with Manchester City Council through the Professional Services Framework that Pagabo manage has enabled us to deliver responsive, high-quality asbestos management services efficiently. The framework’s streamlined procurement process means we can focus on what matters most, keeping the Council’s properties safe and compliant whilst providing excellent value. Our team takes pride in building strong working relationships with the Council’s estates team, ensuring every project is delivered to the highest standard.”
Delivery is supported by a dedicated Manchester-based team, providing continuity, local knowledge and familiarity with Council processes and properties.
Technical excellence and continuity of delivery
The appointed team includes three senior surveyors who have worked on the Manchester City Council contract for several years. All are dual-qualified, holding BOHS P402, P403 and P404 certifications, enabling both surveying and air testing to be undertaken without additional mobilisation.
This integrated capability delivers clear operational benefits:
• Faster response in emergency situations
• Reduced disruption to occupied buildings
• More informed risk assessment and advice
• Improved efficiency across project lifecycles
Surveyors are also Enhanced DBS-checked and PASMA trained, supporting safe delivery in education settings, heritage buildings and high-level access environments.
Delivering at scale
Since appointment, the service has supported over 297 individual projects, providing a comprehensive asbestos management programme that includes:
• Management, refurbishment and demolition surveys (HSG264 compliant)
• Re-inspection of known asbestos-containing materials
• Air testing and monitoring
• Emergency bulk sampling with 48-hour reporting
• Asbestos project management and compliance consultancy
Delivery is underpinned by robust operational infrastructure, including access to a UKAS ISO 17025 accredited laboratory capable of analysing over 1,500 samples per week, ensuring resilience during peak demand.
Social value beyond compliance
In addition to technical delivery, the contract has embedded social value through knowledge sharing and community support.
This has included:
• CPD sessions for Manchester City Council staff
• Pro-bono survey support for community projects
• Contribution to local initiatives such as the Newton Heath Cricket Club ‘Freddie Flintoff Field of Dreams’ programme, supporting grassroots sport and community engagement
Supporting safer, more sustainable public assets
This programme demonstrates how a framework-led approach can support long-term, compliant estate management across a large and complex local authority portfolio.
Through technical assurance, responsive delivery and strong governance, Manchester City Council continues to maintain high standards of safety and compliance across its public assets, supported by a procurement route that enables confidence, consistency and value.
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