The new South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework has gone live, providing a compliant route to market for any public sector construction projects in the region.

A range of local and national contractors have gained a place on the framework to construct, refurbish and repair buildings for the public sector over the next three years, with the option the to extend this into a fourth year.

Carmarthenshire County Council, in partnership with Neath Port Talbot County Council, Swansea Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and Ceredigion County Council, will lead in the management of the framework.

The framework will be available for use by the whole region and the wider public sector organisations, including Welsh Government, central government departments and their agencies, non-departmental public bodies, devolved administrations, NHS bodies, local authorities, Further and Higher Education establishments, the police and fire service, a full list is available from the Framework Team.

The framework, set up in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations 2015, provides a quick compliant access to market leading contractors.

It will also provide significant procurement savings, particularly on high value contracts, with public sector bodies benefitting from less waste, less duplication, local engagement and greater efficiencies.

Emphasis has been given to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in the Welsh supply chain, in a bid to support the local economy and boost employment.

Social value practices and reduction in carbon have also been a key focus of the assessment process.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Members for Resource, Cllr. Alun Lenny said: “This is a ready-made and fully compliant delivery vehicle for major capital building works, for public sector organisations throughout the south west Wales and mid Wales region.

“It offers an efficient, collaborative way to procure construction projects, pooling the expertise of market tested contractors.

“Public sector frameworks can create social value not only through the physical environments they help to create and maintain, but also the economic activity they generate, both locally and nationally.

“Although price and quality have long dominated procurement processes, we are keen to continue to recognise the importance of social value practices, wellbeing goals and introducing a focus on carbon reduction throughout this framework.”

For further advice or to procure work through the framework, contact Carmarthenshire County Council’s framework team – email [email protected]