STAR Procurement is developing a collaborative open framework for minor works on behalf of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, its partners and other eligible local contracting authorities. The proposed framework has an estimated value of £400 million excluding VAT, or £480 million including VAT, and could run for up to eight years.
This is currently a preliminary market engagement exercise rather than a call for competition. Suppliers can use the opportunity to understand the proposed structure, assess where their services may fit and provide feedback before the procurement approach is finalised.
What is being proposed?
The framework is intended to provide a more efficient route for awarding a high volume of minor works contracts across Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Call-offs may be made through either direct award or further competition, depending on the final framework terms and the requirement.
STAR Procurement has indicated that the framework could begin on 1 April 2027 and continue until 31 March 2035. The estimated annual spend is up to £50 million, although this remains subject to market engagement and further analysis.
Proposed work categories
The proposed structure is based on specialist categories, with eligibility also expected to consider value bands and geographic serviceability. The current categories are:
- Roofing: repairs, replacements, guttering, rooflights and flat-roof overlays.
- Mechanical and electrical works: boiler and pump replacements, access systems, rewiring, fire alarms and air conditioning.
- General works: internal alterations, small extensions, refurbishments, fire doors, drainage and multi-trade projects.
- External works: fencing, boundary walls, lighting, controlled access, canopies and outbuildings.
- Demolition: site clearance, asbestos removal, resurfacing and associated security.
- Decarbonisation: heat pumps, solar panels, batteries, insulation, lighting upgrades and HVAC optimisation.
- New-build structures: basic buildings of up to two storeys.
- Modular buildings: separate proposed routes for short-term and long-term requirements.
The category and sub-lot structure may change after the soft market test, so suppliers should avoid treating this list as final.
Why the open framework model matters
An open framework can be reopened to new suppliers during its lifetime. For contractors that are not ready for the first competition, this may create later opportunities to join, subject to the final reopening timetable and selection requirements.
However, gaining a place will not guarantee work. Suppliers will still need to understand the call-off rules, maintain competitive pricing and demonstrate that they can respond efficiently to individual requirements. Where direct award is permitted, evidence of capacity, geographic coverage and performance may be particularly important.
How suppliers can prepare
Contractors considering the framework should begin by deciding which categories, value bands and areas they can service reliably. A broad application is not always the strongest approach, especially where the bidder cannot evidence specialist delivery at the required scale.
Useful preparation may include:
- selecting comparable public-sector projects for each target category;
- mapping accreditations, licences and competent-person requirements;
- reviewing labour, plant and subcontractor availability across the proposed geography;
- developing evidence for mobilisation, responsive delivery and working in occupied public buildings;
- strengthening carbon, waste, community benefit and local employment examples; and
- checking that pricing can remain workable across different project values and call-off routes.
Our construction tender support helps contractors translate technical delivery experience into clear, scored responses for public-sector buyers.
Key date and official notice
The soft market test closes at 12pm on 28 August 2026. Participation is optional and does not provide an advantage in any later competition, but it gives suppliers an opportunity to comment on the proposed categories and framework model.
Read the official preliminary market engagement notice and access the supporting documents through The Chest under project DN822737.
Build a focused framework response
Thornton & Lowe can support bid strategy, evidence development, quality responses and final review for contractors targeting the Stockport framework or similar minor works opportunities.
Speak to our bid writing team about the categories you are considering and the evidence you will need to compete.
