Swansea Bay University Health Board (SBUHB) and Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB) are establishing a new Capital Construction Framework to support capital projects across South West Wales. This is a live framework agreement opportunity for construction suppliers, with an estimated total value of £120 million including VAT and a scope focused on projects valued up to £7 million. For contractors looking to strengthen their presence in NHS Wales, this is an important framework to assess closely.
What is the Capital Construction Framework?
This procurement is designed to create a multi-supplier framework agreement for construction works supporting the capital programmes of both SBUHB and HDUHB. The stated aim is to improve the Health Boards’ ability to manage and deliver capital projects, reduce reliance on external public-sector frameworks, strengthen the regional supply chain, reduce procurement timescales, and improve confidence around time, cost and quality.
The framework is particularly relevant to contractors with experience delivering building works in live healthcare environments. The published notice also highlights support for digital construction methods and the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) where appropriate, which means bidders should be ready to evidence both construction capability and an approach that aligns with evolving NHS delivery expectations.
Why this framework matters for construction suppliers
This framework stands out because it brings together two major Welsh health boards under a single route to market. For suppliers, that creates a more structured path to future works than competing for isolated projects on a one-off basis. A place on the framework could offer access to capital construction opportunities across both organisations over the life of the agreement, while also helping suppliers build relationships in a demanding but strategically important sector.
The opportunity also appears to be structured in a way that supports suppliers of different sizes. Published summaries refer to separate lots for each Health Board and multiple value bands, including lower-value routes intended to support SME participation as well as higher-value bands up to the £7 million ceiling. That makes the framework relevant not only to larger principal contractors, but also to capable regional firms with the right technical and compliance credentials.
Quick facts
- Authorities: Swansea Bay University Health Board and Hywel Dda University Health Board
- Opportunity: Capital Construction Framework
- Type: Multi-supplier framework agreement
- Estimated total value: £120 million including VAT
- Project value range: works up to £7 million
- Geographic focus: South West Wales
- Current status: Live procurement notice / framework competition
Key dates
- Notice published: 8 October 2025
- Tender deadline: 24 April 2026
- Estimated framework start: 30 September 2026
- Estimated framework end: 1 October 2030
How suppliers should prepare
- Review the framework structure carefully: The published material points to separate lots by Health Board and value threshold, so suppliers should identify where their delivery model is strongest before deciding how broadly to bid.
- Demonstrate healthcare construction experience: Bidders should make it easy for evaluators to see how they manage live clinical environments, infection control considerations, stakeholder coordination and service continuity during works.
- Evidence programme certainty: Because the framework is intended to improve delivery confidence around time, cost and quality, suppliers should present robust examples of contract management, risk control and project assurance.
- Show regional and supply-chain strength: The notice places emphasis on developing a regional contractor base, so local delivery capability, Welsh market understanding and a credible supply chain story could strengthen a submission.
- Highlight innovation where relevant: If your business uses digital construction methods or MMC, this is worth bringing through clearly in your bid rather than leaving it implied.
What suppliers should do next
This is a substantial NHS Wales framework agreement for capital construction works, and the live notice gives contractors time to compete for a place before the April 2026 deadline. Suppliers should review the procurement documents in full, assess the lot and value-band structure carefully, and tailor their submission to healthcare delivery, regional capability and framework readiness rather than relying on generic construction content.
If this framework is relevant to your business, the next step is to review the official Find a Tender notice and begin preparing your response. Thornton & Lowe can help you assess lot fit, strengthen your bid and improve your chances of securing a place on this important construction framework.
