Published: Wednesday, 06th July 2022
More than 135 Oldham businesses joined major contractors working on regeneration and development projects across the borough to explore how they can secure work on the schemes.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), sole traders and sub-contractors from a wide range of trades and services went along to the event organised by Procure Partnerships Framework in collaboration with Oldham Council.
They were able to meet more than 20 contractors in person, ask questions and hear more about how their businesses can get involved in the many construction-related opportunities happening now and in the future.
They included Kier, who are delivering an extension to North Chadderton School; and Vinci Construction UK and Sir Robert McAlpine, who are delivering a £28m expansion of the Royal Oldham Hospital.
Leader of Oldham Council, Amanda Chadderton, said: “Regenerating and developing Oldham isn’t just about providing new buildings – it's about creating opportunities for local businesses, jobs and the wider community.
“This event has brought people together, helped them understand how they can benefit and secure work on these schemes and highlighted what brilliant businesses and talented people we have right here in Oldham.
“Thanks to Procure Partnerships Framework for organising it and we look forward to hosting more events as projects and regeneration schemes progress.”
Lizz Lee, Social Value Manager at Procure Partnerships Framework, said: “We had a really positive response and are proud to have helped businesses get vital introductions to some great work opportunities.
“The event was also a chance to highlight the nature and importance of delivering social value through construction and infrastructure contracts. We had some fantastic local charities and third-sector organisations there on the day who we hope will also benefit as a result.”
To further boost social value, the event used local businesses and organisations as much as possible - putting almost £3,000 back into the local economy. It was held at Mahdlo, who also did the catering, photographs were taken by recently-launched Oldham business Marie Whitehead Photography and printing was done by Sign-UK, Chadderton.
Oldham Council in partnership with Procure Partnerships Framework, created the ‘North West Contractor Framework’ which is designed to facilitate the award and delivery of construction and infrastructure works ranging from £50,000 to multi-million pound projects with no upper value limit, for the council’s and other North West public sector bodies’ requirements.
28 companies have been appointed to the framework which went live on 1 April this year and is forecast to facilitate the award of up to £1.8bn of works over its four-year term.