Wolverhampton Homes Limited has published a Preliminary Market Engagement notice for its upcoming Housing Maintenance Support Contract. With an estimated total value of £26 million including VAT and a four-year term, this procurement presents a significant opportunity for building maintenance and construction contractors operating in the Wolverhampton area.
At this stage, the notice is not a tender. Instead, it is intended to warm the market, explain the proposed contracting approach and encourage early supplier engagement ahead of a formal procurement.
Who Are Wolverhampton Homes?
Wolverhampton Homes Limited is an arm’s length housing management organisation responsible for managing and maintaining council housing stock on behalf of the City of Wolverhampton Council. The organisation delivers repairs, maintenance, refurbishment and compliance works across tenanted homes, void properties and communal areas.
As a public sector contracting authority, Wolverhampton Homes procures works in line with UK public procurement regulations and places strong emphasis on service continuity, tenant safety and value for money.
What Is the Housing Maintenance Support Contract?
Wolverhampton Homes is proposing to establish three new Measured Term Maintenance Contracts, let under the JCT Measured Term Contract form. Together, these contracts will cover a wide range of works including:
- General building maintenance
- Electrical works
- Roofing works
- Adaptations
- Works to void (empty) homes
- Works to tenanted homes
- Works to communal areas
A key feature of this procurement is the separation of planned and responsive works, designed to reduce risk and ensure service continuity.
Contract Structure and Values
The three proposed contracts are structured as follows:
- Contract 1: Planned works – North Wolverhampton
Including associated electrical and roofing works
Estimated value: £5 million
- Contract 2: Planned works – South Wolverhampton
Including associated electrical and roofing works
Estimated value: £7 million
- Contract 3: Responsive works – City wide
Including works under Awaab’s Law and Disrepair Claims, where delivery is subject to prescribed timescales
Estimated value: £10 million
For business continuity and delivery risk reasons, a single supplier or company group can only be awarded one of the three contracts. Suppliers may tender for more than one lot, but Wolverhampton Homes will determine the most advantageous tender for each award.
Market Engagement and Key Dates
Wolverhampton Homes has placed strong emphasis on early supplier engagement to explain the requirement and contracting approach.
Engagement Activity
- Engagement deadline: Midday on 28 January 2026
- Market warming session: Tuesday 3 February 2026
- Format: Remote session
The session will cover:
- An introduction to Wolverhampton Homes
- The scope of the contracts
- The proposed contracting and lot structure
Suppliers must register interest via the Wolverhampton Homes tender portal and provide details of attendees by the engagement deadline.
Indicative Procurement Timeline
Stage | Estimated timing | Supplier focus |
Market engagement notice published | 18 December 2025 | Initial opportunity review |
Engagement deadline | 28 January 2026 | Register interest and confirm attendance |
Market warming session | 3 February 2026 | Understand scope and ask questions |
Tender publication | 2026 (indicative) | Final bid decision and mobilisation |
Contract start date | 19 November 2026 | Service mobilisation |
Contract term | 19 November 2026 to 18 November 2030 | Delivery and performance management |
With a relatively short gap between engagement and tender, early preparation will be essential.
Why This Opportunity Matters for SMEs
The notice confirms that the contracts are particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Local and regional contractors with strong operational capacity, experience in social housing and the ability to work to tight response times are well positioned.
However, suppliers will need to demonstrate:
- Strong health and safety and compliance systems
- Experience working in occupied homes
- Ability to meet statutory timescales, particularly under Awaab’s Law
- Capacity and resilience to deliver consistently
How Thornton & Lowe Can Support Your Bid
Thornton & Lowe supports construction, maintenance and housing contractors bidding for local authority and housing association contracts.
Engagement and Early Bid Strategy
We help suppliers prepare for market engagement sessions, interpret buyer objectives and position themselves effectively ahead of tender release.
Bid Writing and Tender Support
Our bid writing team supports suppliers through selection and award stages, ensuring responses are compliant, evidence-led and aligned to evaluation criteria.
SME-Focused, Proportionate Support
For SMEs, we provide practical support that strengthens governance, policies and delivery models without unnecessary complexity.
Tender Pipeline Monitoring
Through Tender Pipeline, suppliers can track updates to this opportunity and related housing maintenance contracts.
Bid Training and Capability Building
We also support internal teams with bid writing training and mentoring to improve confidence and consistency for future housing tenders.
Final Thoughts
The Wolverhampton Homes Housing Maintenance Support Contract is a significant opportunity for contractors delivering planned and responsive housing maintenance services. The early market engagement and clear contract structure make this a procurement where preparation and participation can directly improve outcomes.
If you are considering bidding and want support with engagement, strategy or tender submission, Thornton & Lowe can support you from early planning through to contract award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a tender?
No. This is a preliminary market engagement notice only.
Can suppliers bid for more than one contract?
Yes, but only one contract will be awarded to any supplier or company group.
When does the contract start?
The estimated start date is 19 November 2026.
Is this suitable for SMEs?
Yes. SME participation is specifically encouraged.
