Bell appointed to new £1.35bn Building and Fire Safety framework
Bell are delighted to have been appointed to a new £1.35bn framework, designed to support housing providers and other public sector organisations, with delivering all aspects of building safety compliance.
Designed and procured jointly by the Hyde Group and Echelon Consultancy, the Building and Fire Safety framework, which will formally go live on Monday 24th April, will be managed by Pretium Frameworks, on behalf of the Hyde Group.
It places emphasis on delivering high-quality works and services, offering assurance, through a competent and accredited supply chain.
Building on the success of Pretium and Hyde’s first-generation fire safety services framework, it is designed to offer practical solutions to each element of work to enable compliance with the Building Safety Act, as well as building on the current fire safety-related works and services, from the original framework.
Projects of all sizes can be delivered through the framework, from fireproofing to external wall works, and there is the capacity to support with requirements such as building safety case reports, and resident engagement strategies.
“Our first-generation framework was very much focused on fire safety. During the lifetime of that framework the Building Safety Act came into being, providing an opportunity to reframe the new offer to build in additional works and services, supporting housing providers in all areas of building safety compliance,” explains Jessica John, Director of Framework Partnerships at Pretium Frameworks.
“The consequences of failing to deliver on building safety are extremely serious and we are delighted to be able to provide an easy to use and flexible mechanism for housing providers to deliver vital building safety projects, using a competent and accredited supply chain.”
The framework has been developed using expert specialist advice, with Frankham Risk Management Services acting as technical adviser, where appropriate, and technical documents have been co-produced, with a bespoke specification for each Lot.
Compliance and assurance are key, and all suppliers were subject to an intense evaluation process. For example, all fire door suppliers were required to produce the appropriate accreditation in person, for inspection by a third-party consultant.
Liz Oliver, Hyde’s Safer Homes and Neighbourhoods Director added: “Our customers’ safety is and has always been our top priority. We’re investing significantly in building and fire safety-related works and procured this framework to allow easier access to suppliers to deliver these works and services.
“The framework was set up with excellent partners and will be available for all public sector organisations to use.
“It was developed using expert specialist advice from the fire safety sector, and through this framework we’re able to deliver quality services, making sure we manage and address building and fire safety issues accordingly and get better value for money.” The PCR 2015-compliant, four-year framework is split into 11 workstreams, delivered by main contractors and specialists.
The framework is open to any public sector organisation throughout the UK, and members of their supply chain, from housing providers and local authorities to NHS Hospital Trusts. For more information on accessing it, email buildingandfiresafety@pretium.co.uk
