Construction Tendering Trends in 2025: Frameworks, Regulation and Smarter Delivery
Construction tendering in the UK is under pressure to improve. Rising costs, planning delays, tighter margins, and shifting compliance rules are shaping how contractors respond to opportunities. In 2025, firms are adjusting by improving internal processes, using software to stay organised, and preparing for the growing use of frameworks and long-term procurement models.
This article outlines what is changing in construction tendering and how businesses are responding.
Growth Is Slowing, Competition Is Increasing
The Construction Products Association now expects construction output to grow by just 1.9% in 2025. This is lower than previously forecast, due to weaker housing starts, skills shortages, and rising wage costs. Interest rates remain high, making it harder for developers to commit to new schemes.
In this environment, tenders are more competitive. Buyers are asking more detailed questions and are placing greater weight on social value, sustainability, and past performance. Submissions need to be well structured and backed by evidence. Contractors are expected to explain how they will add value and manage risks in practical, deliverable terms.
Frameworks Continue to Shape Tendering Strategy
More public sector work is being awarded through frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems. These allow buyers to pre-approve contractors, cutting the need for full tendering every time. For contractors, this offers access to long-term work, but only if they can meet the requirements to get on, and then stay compliant once in place.
Framework bids typically require answers on delivery models, social value plans, and environmental performance. These must be specific to the contractor’s business and the framework’s priorities. Many contractors now use construction tender support to help write and structure these submissions.
To better understand the opportunities frameworks present, and what is required to access them, Thornton & Lowe has produced a practical guide to frameworks covering the application process, what buyers look for, and how to maintain compliance.
Increased Regulation and Tender Complexity
The introduction of the Procurement Act 2023 in February brought new public sector rules that promote flexibility, transparency, and local value. While these aim to make procurement more open, they have added more detail to how tenders are scored and submitted. Small and medium-sized contractors are being asked to provide more supporting documents and better responses.
At the same time, the Building Safety Act 2022 is still affecting delivery timelines. High-rise projects must pass Gateway 2 approval before construction starts, and fewer than 15 percent of submissions are currently passing this stage on time. This creates pressure on bid teams to get responses right first time, supported by accurate design and safety information.
Sustainability is now a standard requirement. From 2025, the Future Homes Standard applies to all new builds. Buyers expect contractors to explain how their work will reduce carbon emissions, meet new heating system targets, and align with fabric-first design principles. Responses must include specific examples and reference current policies and guidance.

Sustainability and Modular Construction in Tendering
Sustainability is now a baseline requirement in most public sector tenders. The Future Homes Standard, now in effect from 2025, has pushed buyers to ask for specific commitments around low-carbon design, material selection, and lifecycle emissions. Contractors are expected to explain how their build methods reduce environmental impact, and increasingly, how they plan to deliver using modern construction techniques.
Modular construction, in particular, is emerging as a practical solution. While not suitable for every scheme, it offers clear environmental benefits that align with procurement requirements. Tenders are now beginning to reference offsite manufacturing, embodied carbon reduction, and circular design principles as desirable or even mandatory.
Sustainability Feature | Modular Construction Advantage |
---|---|
Embodied Carbon Reduction | Controlled factory conditions reduce material waste and energy use during production |
Faster Build Times | Up to 50% quicker than traditional methods, reducing time on site and disruption to local areas |
Reusability and Repurposing | Modules can be relocated or reused, supporting circular construction goals |
Improved Energy Efficiency | Precision construction allows for higher fabric performance and better airtightness |
Waste and Resource Management | Less waste produced and better segregation of materials for recycling |
Lower Site Impact | Fewer deliveries, reduced noise, and less congestion near active construction zones |
This shift toward cleaner construction methods is not just a preference from buyers. It is being embedded in scoring. Many tenders now include weighted questions on sustainability, requiring data on carbon savings, design improvements, and end-of-life strategies. Contractors that can speak confidently about modular delivery or demonstrate sustainability planning at design stage are in a stronger position to score well.
The government’s position is clear. Future funding and public sector contracts will favour those that can build responsibly. Construction tendering in 2025 is no longer just about compliance, it is about improvement. Methods like modular construction are likely to play a larger role in how tenders are evaluated and awarded over the next decade.
Software Adoption is Helping with Tendering Workload
Contractors are under pressure to improve how they manage tenders. Teams that used to rely on shared drives and email chains are now switching to structured systems. Bid management software helps by storing past answers, assigning tasks, tracking deadlines, and keeping quality consistent.
This is particularly useful when bidding under frameworks, where there may be regular mini-competitions or call-offs. Having a reliable system saves time, reduces the chance of errors, and helps the whole team work together more efficiently.
Contractors Are Improving Their Response Approach
As the demands in tenders increase, many firms are reviewing how they prepare bids. Some now use external support to strengthen answers, especially where frameworks or complex scoring models are involved. Others are building internal bid teams with clearer responsibilities and shared knowledge.
What is clear is that expectations have changed. Buyers want to see how contractors will meet delivery standards, reduce environmental impact, and support the wider community. These are no longer optional extras. They are part of the scoring criteria, and they need to be written clearly and backed up with evidence.
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Contact usSupporting Contractors to Respond, Win and Grow
At Thornton & Lowe, we support construction contractors across the full tendering lifecycle. Whether you're targeting one-off public sector contracts, multi-year frameworks or private sector opportunities, our team is set up to help you compete and grow with confidence.
Our services include bid writing and tender writing support, delivered by an outsourced team of experienced bid professionals who understand the expectations of buyers in construction, infrastructure, housing, and civil engineering. We also provide framework support, helping clients not just apply, but maximise their position through targeted marketing, call-off support and strategic positioning.
We offer tender alerts to help clients find relevant opportunities, and access to our own bid management technology to help internal teams plan, write and manage submissions efficiently. Our outsourced marketing team works alongside our bid writing professionals to help businesses raise their profile across frameworks, develop content libraries, and build visibility that supports future growth.
From short-turnaround tenders to long-term bid strategies, we act as a flexible extension of your team, providing the tools, people and insights needed to improve win rates and strengthen your position in the market.
Bid Writing Guide
Click hereFAQ: Construction Tendering in 2025
What is changing in UK construction tendering?
Tenders are becoming more detailed, with an increased focus on quality, social value, and environmental performance. Contractors are expected to provide better structured, clearer responses.
How are frameworks affecting construction tenders?
Frameworks allow buyers to work with pre-approved contractors. To access them, firms must pass initial applications and stay compliant across all projects. These agreements are now a major route to work in the public sector.
What are the biggest challenges in construction tendering this year?
Growth is slower, costs are rising, and regulatory requirements have increased. Contractors are responding by improving how they plan, write, and manage tenders.
How can software support tendering?
Bid management software helps teams manage deadlines, store reusable content, and deliver higher quality bids. It reduces admin and helps teams avoid last-minute errors.