South East Consortium (SEC) is launching a new Dynamic Market for Facilities Management, going live on 1 June 2026. This covers soft FM, hard FM, and total FM provision, giving providers a flexible, ongoing route to access public sector FM contracts across the south east and potentially beyond.
This is not a traditional framework agreement. As a dynamic market, it will remain open for new applicants throughout its lifetime, but early entry puts you in the best position when call-off opportunities first emerge. If you are an FM provider assessing whether to apply, contact Thornton & Lowe for a rapid eligibility review.
About South East Consortium
SEC is a specialist procurement authority for the social housing and public sector, with a membership base that includes housing associations and registered providers across the south east. FM contracts placed through a SEC dynamic market will therefore reflect the specific demands of housing stock management (such as planned maintenance, compliance, cleaning, security, and M&E) rather than commercial or office-based FM.
Providers with experience in social housing FM will find this market well suited to their capabilities. Those coming from a predominantly commercial FM background should consider whether their track record and policies are sufficiently aligned to the social housing context.
The three categories
- Soft FM: Cleaning, concierge, security, and related services: the people-intensive, day-to-day management of buildings and communal areas.
- Hard FM: Building fabric maintenance, mechanical and electrical (M&E), HVAC, planned preventative maintenance, and compliance-driven services.
- Total FM: Integrated contracts covering both soft and hard FM services, typically for larger or more complex instructions.
Providers can apply for one category or multiple. Total FM applications will require evidence of capability across both soft and hard disciplines, either within one organisation or through a credible supply chain arrangement.
Key facts
- Authority: SEC Procurement Limited (South East Consortium)
- Procurement type: Dynamic Market
- Categories: Soft FM, Hard FM, Total FM
- Contract value: Not stated; dependent on individual call-offs
- Market launch: 1 June 2026
- Application: Open on an ongoing basis; check the notice for current submission details
Tips for a strong application
- Match your category to your core capability: Do not stretch across all three categories if your genuine delivery strength is in one area. A focused, evidenced application for Soft FM or Hard FM will outperform a thinly spread Total FM bid built on aspiration rather than track record.
- Social housing compliance is essential: SEC's members are housing providers. Your policies, accreditations (such as CHAS, SafeContractor, or equivalent), insurance levels, and DBS/safer recruitment processes must reflect the expectations of a social housing client, not just a commercial one.
- Stay current with market requirements: Dynamic markets can update their qualification requirements over time. Monitor the SEC notice regularly and ensure your submission remains current and compliant as requirements evolve.
- Prepare for multi-client delivery: SEC markets serve multiple member organisations. Your bid should address how you manage relationships, performance reporting, and service standards across different clients simultaneously, not just for a single commissioner.
Applying to the SEC FM Dynamic Market?
Thornton & Lowe supports FM providers through dynamic market applications and framework bids for social housing and public sector clients. Get in touch for a focused, no-obligation assessment of your readiness.
