Why Choose Thornton & Lowe?

✔ ESPO Framework Support – We help suppliers assess ESPO framework opportunities, choose the right lots and prepare clear, well-evidenced submissions.

✔ Compliance-Led Bid Support – Framework bids are often won or lost on compliance, evidence and clarity. We help you present the right proof, in the right format, against the evaluation criteria.

✔ Extra Capacity When Deadlines Bite – When you are short on time or internal resource, we add experienced bid capacity quickly, from planning and drafting through to reviews and final checks.

ESPO Frameworks: How They Work

ESPO frameworks provide a compliant route for public-sector organisations to buy goods, services and works from approved suppliers.

Each framework has its own scope, eligibility requirements and evaluation process. Many are divided into lots based on service type, product category, geography or delivery model. Suppliers compete for a place by responding to the published tender and demonstrating that they meet the mandatory, commercial and quality requirements.

Being appointed to an ESPO framework does not guarantee work. Depending on the agreement, contracts may be awarded through direct award or a further competition between approved suppliers. That means suppliers need to think beyond securing a place and consider how they will compete for call-off opportunities once the framework is live.

For applicants, the first challenge is deciding whether the opportunity and lot are genuinely suitable. The next is preparing a compliant submission with clear, evidence-led answers that address the scoring criteria directly. We help suppliers assess the opportunity, confirm eligibility, organise supporting evidence, write and review responses, and complete final compliance checks before submission.

Key ESPO Framework Areas We Support

ESPO frameworks cover a broad range of goods, services and works across the public sector. We help suppliers assess relevant opportunities, choose suitable lots and prepare clear, compliant submissions.

Construction, Facilities and Energy

Construction and property services, facilities management, estates, maintenance, waste, energy and decarbonisation.

Technology, Corporate and Professional Services

IT and technology, consultancy, legal and financial services, recruitment, training, HR and other professional services.

Fleet, Transport and Operational Services

Fleet, vehicles, transport, highways-related services, equipment and wider operational requirements.

Health, Care and Public-Sector Supplies

Health and social care, catering, furniture, equipment and wider goods and services required by public-sector organisations.

Preparing an ESPO framework submission? We can help you assess the opportunity, confirm eligibility and submit a stronger bid.