Harrow Council calls on local businesses to bid for new work opportunities

Harrow Council this week invited local building companies to register their interest in bidding for new multi-million pound contracts for its repairs service after the council's current contract with Kier expires.

The opportunity has been advertised this week and is open to all bidders, including local businesses and tradesmen.

Councillor Bob Currie, Portfolio Holder for Housing said:

"This is great opportunity for local companies to bid for council contracts.  We want to offer local business the chance while also ensuring we get value for money for local residents and comply with public procurement rules by conducting a transparent and fair competitive procurement.  We have already held a session where over 45 companies attended to tell us how they thought we should structure this tender process.  We have listened to their views and now look forward to seeing their bids come in."

"By breaking contracts down we want to give local businesses and tradesmen every opportunity to deliver the work, which would have clear economic benefits for the whole of Harrow ."

The council currently has one contract for almost all of its responsive repairs to council housing and corporate buildings, including libraries, schools and offices.  However, following a cabinet decision in September a new approach is being followed which could offer more opportunities to medium sized contractors to compete against national companies.

The work up for grabs includes day-to-day repairs for all trades as well as more specialist work for lift maintenance, gas servicing, and maintenance of emergency lighting.  In future there will also be tenders for regular one off contracts such as bathroom and kitchen replacements, reroofing and window and door renewals.  In total this work could add up to £50 million pounds over four years.

The council has consulted its tenants and leaseholders on the new strategy and they have backed the approach, in particular the proposals to invite local employers. Larger firms will also be able to bid for the new contracts.

Councillor Thaya Idakkadar Portfolio holder for Major Contracts said:

"While the rules applying to council contracts of this size mean we have to advertise to companies across the whole of Europe we do encourage local companies to bid. We also want to encourage the use of local labour where possible. "

Any companies interested in this work should register on the council's web site https://harrow.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml  

In a further move to support businesses a support session is being held by the Economic Development Team on the completion of the questionnaire. A written summary of the information and advice we provide at the session will be available to all bidders for the contract.  To register an interest in this session taking place on 19th October, please contact  Marlon Farr on 0208 4209680.

Source: Harrow Council

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