Birmingham City Council has published an early engagement notice for a new Works Framework with a potential value of up to £1.85 billion (including VAT) over four years. This framework is set to underpin the delivery of construction works services for one of the UK's largest local authorities – and with the engagement deadline of 22 May 2026, there is very little time to respond if you want to make your voice heard at this crucial early stage.
If you are considering bidding for the Birmingham Works Framework, Thornton & Lowe's bid experts can quickly review your suitability and advise on the best approach.
Why This Framework Matters for Construction Contractors
Birmingham City Council is seeking to establish a comprehensive works services framework, partnering with construction organisations capable of delivering across a range of disciplines. The breadth of scope is intentional – maximising market access for contractors of varying sizes and specialisms. A multi-year framework of this scale offers pipeline visibility and the potential for long-term client relationships, with all the commercial stability that brings.
As a single-authority client, Birmingham also provides contractors with a clearer relationship management structure than multi-authority consortia frameworks – though it does require a genuine understanding of the Council's regeneration priorities, sustainability goals, and social value expectations. Our team has direct experience supporting contractors bidding for Birmingham City Council contracts, which you can read about in our Birmingham bid writing guide.
Bidding Considerations
- Act now on the engagement deadline: With the deadline on 22 May 2026, there is minimal time to read the draft documentation and submit a considered response. Prioritise this if you intend to engage.
- Scale and capability: The £1.85bn value reflects extensive works activity across Birmingham, requiring robust supply chain capabilities and strong financial standing.
- Multi-disciplinary scope: Review where your expertise fits into the potential lot breakdown, and prepare relevant evidence of experience and capacity.
- Align with Birmingham's priorities: Bidders should highlight local experience, approaches to supporting Birmingham's regeneration ambitions, and social value delivery strategies.
- Plan for the full tender: Use the engagement phase not just to respond, but to gather intelligence about the Council's likely evaluation priorities and lot structure before the formal ITT lands.
Quick Facts
- Value: Up to £1,850,000,000 (including VAT)
- Authority: Birmingham City Council
- Framework duration: 4 years
- Procurement route: Framework Agreement (pre-market engagement stage)
Key Dates
- Engagement deadline: 22 May 2026
- View full notice on Find a Tender
Thornton & Lowe are specialists in supporting construction sector suppliers through major public sector frameworks. Given the scale of this opportunity and the tight engagement window, now is the moment to act. Contact us to discuss your approach and plan your next steps.
