The public sector procurement consortium is developing a number of innovative new framework opportunities that are focussed on helping small to medium sized firms get access to contracts with councils, housing associations and other public sector bodies.

The seminar will provide SME’s with a clearer understanding of public sector procurement which has historically been a daunting prospect for many smaller contractors due to the intensive and complex pre-qualification process.

However, changes that are taking place in public sector procurement should now provide increased opportunity with councils, housing associations and other public sector bodies in the construction and refurbishment sector for positive, forward-thinking smaller businesses.

The pre-tender seminar will outline to SMEs the benefits of being approved for LHC frameworks and provide advice on preparing and submitting a successful tender.

LHC plans to appoint contractors to work in one or more 14 regional areas in England, Scotland and Wales. There are two work streams available. Work stream 1 is for contracts with values of up to £450k, aimed at smaller firms, and work stream 2 is for contracts in excess of £450k.

The framework will include solid and cavity wall, loft and flat roof insulation with a range of other insulation services and associated works, such as Green Deal Assessments and Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s).

John Skivington, LHC director, said: “We are encouraging small and medium sized businesses who work in the insulation installation trade to seriously consider applying for the insulation framework.

“Smaller contractors may have been put off in the past, but increasingly we are now finding that social housing landlords and councils want to use smaller, local companies for some of their work.

“The seminar will help smaller contractors gain an understanding of the benefits and opportunities of being an approved contractor on an LHC framework. They will also provide guidance on how to complete a successful tender.”

The pre-tender seminar will be taking place in Glasgow on 10 February 2015 at the Bothwell Bridge Hotel in Bothwell. Interested contractors can register a place by visiting LHC’s events page - www.lhc.gov.uk/Scotland/events/.