LHC Procurement Group has launched its £2.34bn Public Buildings Construction and Infrastructure (PB4) framework, appointing 155 contractors to support public-sector construction, refurbishment, civil infrastructure and facilities management projects across England, Scotland and Wales. The four-year framework provides buyers with access to pre-qualified suppliers and creates a new route for businesses seeking public-sector work.

The PBC Today report published on 6 November states that 75% of appointed contractors are small and medium-sized enterprises. LHC Procurement Group also confirmed the appointments and the framework's five workstreams in its launch announcement, highlighting the role of regional suppliers alongside national contractors.

A major addition is a dedicated hard facilities management workstream. The Northern Procurement Alliance's PB4 framework information confirms that this fifth workstream covers projects of all values. It gives public-sector clients a specific procurement route for ongoing building maintenance, including building fabric and technical systems.

This extends the framework's value beyond new construction and refurbishment. Public bodies managing schools, healthcare buildings, offices and other public assets can use the framework to identify suppliers for maintenance and improvement work. Its wider scope includes mechanical and electrical services, fire safety, lifts and building fabric maintenance, creating opportunities for specialist contractors and facilities service providers.

The framework's broader procurement structure is set out in the UK government's Find a Tender notice, which covers new-build projects, refurbishment and restoration, associated civil infrastructure, facilities management and professional services. Suppliers have been assessed against relevant requirements, including quality, environmental and health and safety standards, providing buyers with an established pool of contractors to consider.

LHC Procurement Group also links its framework activity with community benefits. Its social value programme explains how regional partners and appointed companies can support local economic, environmental and wellbeing initiatives through projects delivered under its frameworks.

The framework is due to run until 2 November 2030. Its reported £2.34bn value should be understood as the potential framework value, not guaranteed spending or revenue for appointed contractors. Individual opportunities will depend on public bodies commissioning projects and using the relevant framework routes.

For the sector, the lesson is direct: a well-structured procurement framework can connect public-sector investment with the suppliers needed to deliver and maintain essential buildings. By combining a dedicated hard FM route with construction services and substantial SME participation, PB4 gives public buyers a wider supplier base while opening opportunities for regional and specialist businesses.

Source: PBC Today, LHC Procurement Group launches new £2.34 billion public buildings framework