Procuring refurbishment and fit-out services for a project can often feel like a maze of regulations, red tape, and uncertainty. It can be difficult to know where to begin, and there are many potential pitfalls to fall into. This is where public frameworks come into play.

This article provides you with all the tools you need for successfully navigating public framework procurement. We explain what a public framework is, list the many benefits, answer frequently asked questions, and explain how Willmott Dixon Interiors can assist with frameworks, so you can make an informed decision for your next project.

What Is a Public Framework?

A public framework is a pre-established agreement between an organisation, typically in the public sector, and one or more suppliers with legal protections and agreed terms and conditions. This agreement is pre-tendered, so companies within the framework have already undergone a highly competitive process to be selected and have agreed on prices, terms, and quality standards. 

In essence, public framework procurement is a structured and effective route to market for organisations in an arrangement with pre-approved suppliers.

Benefits of Using Public Frameworks

There are numerous benefits to using public frameworks, including:

Time

Public frameworks are similar to a two-stage process, but the first stage of the tender has already been completed, saving time and conserving resources. As suppliers have already been selected and key factors, such as terms and prices, have been established, frameworks provide simplification, speed, and efficiency throughout the procurement process.

This approach has proven effective in practice. For example, Willmott Dixon Interiors was appointed through the SCAPE public sector framework to deliver the new British Transport Police HQ at 200 Buckingham Palace Road. The project includes a full Cat B fit-out across seven floors, upgraded M&E systems, a new entrance, and improved fire safety — all within a live environment. By using the framework, the customer has secured a fast, compliant route to market while also meeting social value and sustainability targets. 

Cost Certainty

When undertaking a project without the support of a framework, budgeting can be a challenge. It is not uncommon for companies to get to the end of a tender period and be shocked when opening up their tender returns. Or sometimes businesses get to a certain stage and realise they cannot afford to continue. 

However, by using a public framework, you gain cost certainty. Frameworks provide competitive and fixed rates. Additionally, proactive frameworks offer invaluable one-to-one collaboration, continuously testing the design against the budget from the very outset and throughout to prevent any nasty surprises. 

Quality

Becoming a delivery partner on a public framework involves a highly competitive, tried-and-tested process. This means that using frameworks gives you access to the very best in the industry, as the top applicants were carefully selected. Moreover, the majority of frameworks have rigorous, in-built performance indicators, such as social outcomes, so projects are not only continually monitored but also optimised according to these measures.

Social Outcomes

Most frameworks place a strong emphasis on delivering positive social impact. In public sector frameworks, funds remain within the public system, supporting local communities and contributing to broader public benefits, such as environmental and sustainability factors. Plus, some of the surplus money is reinvested back into the community.

This offers excellent value for money in terms of social return on investment, leaving behind a lasting and meaningful legacy.

Value for Money

Frameworks are designed to ensure value for money at every gateway of a project. Regular communication and collaboration between stakeholders allow for proactive problem-solving and the implementation of cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.

Compliance

Frameworks are built and designed around public sector procurement regulations, so by using them, organisations automatically meet legal and policy requirements. This reduces the risk of non-compliance, which can lead to numerous issues, including delays, penalties, or even reputational damage.

Programmes, Not Projects

Frameworks foster and encourage long-term collaboration between customers and suppliers, rather than one-off transactions. This can lead to more consistent delivery, improved communication, and a better understanding of project objectives over time.

Explore further benefits of framework procurement and how it can simplify your next construction project in our video below:

 

Willmott Dixon Interiors: Experts in Public Framework Procurement 

At Willmott Dixon Interiors, we are specialists in procurement frameworks, both public and private and government construction projects. Our team guides customers through the various framework options for construction in public sector applications, delivering smooth navigation through each stage.

We help simplify the tender process, ensuring both compliance and efficiency. Through our expertise, customers can secure and carry out projects quickly, ensuring a streamlined route to market.

Here are a few ways we assist with frameworks:

• Willmott Dixon Interiors participates in both local and national procurement frameworks and sits on a number of public frameworks. By communicating and listening to our customers’ pain points, we can recommend the best fit for them. We deliberately sit on numerous frameworks that offer different advantages, so we are the only partner our customers ever need.
• Once we have determined the best framework for our customer, we introduce them to the framework provider, where conversations can then take place around important issues, such as procurement and compliance. Ultimately, the customer makes the final decision on the best framework for them, but we help facilitate this decision through our expertise, recommendations, and encouragement of having open and in-depth conversations with providers.
• During the tender process, we submit an overheads and profits (OH&P) rate that is fixed for the duration of the project, and people rates that are fixed for the duration of the framework. In the open market, you are unlikely to get such competitive rates. 
• We also continuously test the budget throughout the project lifecycle and get live, current cost data from local suppliers that we relay back to the customer regularly. If there are pressures on the budget, we manage the design and look for efficiencies, so we design to budget.
• All Willmott Dixon Interiors frameworks have an obligation to social value and the impact projects cause on the environment. We agree with all our framework providers to ensure that SME spend is 85% or more, and that local spend is invested within 10 miles. We have excellent social value delivery, communicating with customers from the very beginning to understand key drivers in the local area, areas of deprivation, and what targets and outcomes mean the most to them. 

At Willmott Dixon Interiors, we are experts in understanding and navigating public frameworks. This allows us to manage and execute a huge range of services and projects throughout the country. We ensure we meet customer expectations on time, within budget, and with significant added value delivered.

FAQs About Public Frameworks

Our experts have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about public frameworks.

Do frameworks cost more?

Typically, no — in fact, frameworks can often deliver better value through fixed rates, competitive pricing, and early cost certainty. They can also reduce long-term costs by streamlining procurement and preventing budget overruns.

Are frameworks limited to a certain project value?

Some frameworks may start at a minimum threshold, while others are totally flexible. There will be a framework suited to your project, and through intelligent conversations, the most appropriate framework can be determined.

Do frameworks make you lose control of a project?

No, on the contrary, they afford more flexibility. Public frameworks help you de-risk a project, as a comprehensive risk register can be developed, priced if feasible. 

Did You Know? Willmott Dixon Interiors advocate for early engagement to minimise risk as much as possible.

When is the best time to engage with a framework provider?

Put simply, anytime, depending on the business case and whether the project has been signed off. Whether you’re at the initial concept phase or have a well-developed project, it’s never too early — or too late — to start the conversation.

---

Get in touch today to discover how we can assist with your next project through our framework procurement services.