The public sector spends billions each year on construction projects—but many small and medium-sized contractors still miss out. Why? Because they’re not on the right frameworks or don’t understand how regional procurement works.
As of August 2025, major changes—like the Procurement Act 2023—are creating a more level playing field for SMEs. Whether you’re based in Glasgow, Wrexham or Newcastle, there’s now more opportunity than ever to secure regional public sector tenders UK-wide—if you know how to navigate construction frameworks Scotland, Wales procurement, and the Northern England market.
This guide breaks down what you need to know to compete and win.
1. Get Familiar with the Right Framework Portals
You can’t win if you don’t know where the work is. Each UK region has its own procurement platform, each hosting its own frameworks:
- Scotland: All public works are advertised on Public Contracts Scotland. Key frameworks cover general building, modular units, refurbishment, and retrofit.
- Wales: Use Sell2Wales and the Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA). Their frameworks are especially SME-friendly, focusing on housing, schools, and energy-efficient upgrades.
- Northern England: Access frameworks through Procure Partnerships, which actively supports SME bidders across construction, infrastructure, and professional services.
Pro tip: Bookmark and monitor these portals weekly. The best opportunities rarely stay open long.
2. What is a Framework? And Why Should You Care?
A framework is essentially a shortlist of approved contractors. Once you’re on it, you can compete for smaller contracts (“call-offs”) without reapplying every time.
For example:
- A council might use a framework to build 5 schools over 3 years.
- Instead of tendering each job separately, they invite pre-approved suppliers only.
Why it matters to SMEs:
- Repeat work: Win once, and you’re in the running for years.
- Lower barriers: Fewer documents. Faster turnaround.
- Buyer confidence: You’re seen as a vetted supplier.
In 2024 alone, over £46 billion in UK construction contracts went through frameworks.
3. How Procurement is Changing in Your Favour
SMEs often feel that public sector bids are too complex or stacked against them. But recent reforms are flipping the script:
- Procurement Act 2023 (live from Feb 2025) mandates simplicity, transparency, and SME access.
- Buyers are now scored on local spend, social value, and sustainability—playing to SME strengths.
- Authorities are under pressure to break down large contracts into smaller, more manageable lots.
These reforms aren’t just red tape—they’re a real opportunity for regional contractors ready to engage.
4. Your Regional Action Plan: How to Get On and Win
Scotland
- Register on Public Contracts Scotland.
- Focus on frameworks like PB3 (buildings), MMCs, and retrofitting.
- Showcase your local labour, green building practices, and community impact.
Wales
- Join WPA frameworks for new builds, refurbishment, and energy upgrades.
- Emphasise low-carbon methods and social value delivery.
- Wales procurement policy rewards local SMEs that train, hire, and invest in communities.
Northern England
- Apply through Procure Partnerships or join SCAPE’s Northern frameworks.
- Target lots in your specialism—whether it’s fit-outs, roofing, or M&E.
- Highlight flexibility: regional buyers love fast, adaptable SMEs.
5. Use Social Value to Set Yourself Apart
Today, price isn’t everything. Councils and public bodies are required to evaluate bids based on social value and community impact—not just cost.
This is where SMEs shine:
- Do you hire locally? Train apprentices? Support underrepresented groups?
- Can you commit to net-zero principles or waste reduction?
- Will your supply chain be paid within 30 days?
Make sure your framework application and call-off bids tell that story.
From Local Builder to Framework Regular
Case Study: North West Retrofit Ltd.
A three-person SME based in Lancaster joined the Procure Partnerships framework for the North West region in early 2024. By offering strong social value (local apprentices, reuse of materials, net-zero delivery plan), they:
- Won two school refurbishments via mini-competition
- Secured £2.1m in public works over 14 months
- Hired two more operatives and upgraded their fleet to electric vans
This is what success looks like when you align with the right regional frameworks.
Regional Frameworks Aren’t Optional—They’re Essential
The opportunity is clear: billions in construction spending are flowing through regional frameworks. But too many SMEs sit on the sidelines, unsure how to take part.
With the right tools, guidance and strategy, your business can:
- Get on to SME-accessible frameworks
- Bid smarter and faster
- Grow sustainably through repeat public sector work
Now is the time to act. Especially if you’re in Scotland, Wales, or Northern England.
Ready to win public sector work?
Sign up to our portal today for instant access to:
- Framework opportunities in your region
- Live tender alerts tailored to your trade
- Bid-writing support from sector experts
Let’s turn opportunity into secured contracts. Your next big project could start tomorrow.
