RLB UK has been awarded a place by Great Places Housing Group on its new £750m Innovation Chain North framework of Contractors and Consultants which has placed social value at its heart.
The four year framework has been designed to support delivery of new homes across the north of England, not only to support Great Places’ very ambitious development programme but also those of other housing associations operating across the north of England.
The framework renewal saw a 56 per cent increase in bidders seeking to deliver works and services; 183 companies applied to supply the framework. The majority of bidders applied for multiple lots, and in total 726 bids were evaluated across the 23 lots. In total 113 suppliers – 30 Contractors and 83 Consultants – were successful.
Social value pledges, including apprenticeships, work experience opportunities and volunteering hours were proposed by all suppliers and through a collaborative approach, these pledges will be applied on every new development.
Commenting on the appointment, RLB UK Partner and Head of Central Government and Local Authorities, Steve Gillingham, said: “Being awarded a place on the Innovation Chain North framework is fantastic recognition not only of our technical expertise and experience in the housing market but also our commitment to social value. We are really looking forward to supporting Great Places on this innovative framework and helping to deliver projects as part their ambitious development plans.”
Helen Spencer, Great Places’ Director of Development, said: “We are delighted to be working with RLB on our new ICN framework. We are confident they will be able to work with us and the clients of ICN in delivering the sector’s extensive development ambitions in the North. We were delighted to have a huge response from the market and receive high quality proposals and substantial social value pledges for our communities. We are now looking forward to mobilising the framework and working together on new projects with RLB supporting us with cost consultancy, employer’s agent, building surveying, principal designer and health & safety advisory services”.
Joanne Whitehead, Great Places’ Procurement and Performance Manager, said: “Well done to RLB and all the organisations who have been awarded a place on the framework. We received a large number of high quality bids and we now have an excellent group of contractors and consultants covering a wide range of disciplines to support our housing delivery ambitions. Great Places and the other housing providers who access the framework look forward to working with them all in the future.”
The new £750m framework will run until June 2024.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Steve Gillingham
Managing Partner - North West & Northern Ireland, and National Commissions
