CITY Building has revealed it is searching for new suppliers as the business launches its latest procurement initiative.
The Glasgow construction firm said it is placing its ‘strong social and sustainable values’ at the core of its updated subcontractor framework, and is calling on local businesses across Scotland to bid for a place on a framework with potential workload flows of up to £500 million or more.
The company, which undertakes a variety of work – from building social housing to completing municipal refurbishments on iconic structures including the Mitchell Library and Kelvingrove Art Gallery as well as delivering repairs and maintenance works – has opened all of its procurement opportunities to all sizes of companies with particular focus on SMEs.
Services that the framework looks to appoint include all building core trades, ground investigation and demolition, traditional heating and renewable technologies, and specialist construction techniques like stone masonry and metal work.
The previous framework received praise from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Scotland, for its focus on delivering major economic boosts to Glasgow’s SME community. Previously, more than four-fifths of the 136 successful applicants were SMEs.
Under the new framework, tendering firms will be subject to an evaluation that examines community, environmental, and economic impact. This comes as part of City Building’s commitment to sustainable development.
To be successful, firms will need to evidence their commitment to community development within their bid. This could include highlighting a commitment to fair workplace practices, providing employees with a living wage, or ensuring equality of opportunity in recruitment and progression for under-represented groups.
A strong focus on environmental impact and sustainability are also key to successful appointment. Bidding contractors have been challenged to highlight sustainability efforts, such as evidencing an accredited environmental management system or company environmental policy, procedures, and training as part of bids.
Alan Burns, City Building’s executive director, said, “City Building is on a mission to build a sustainable future, and that mission starts internally but also with our partner organisations. The updated subcontractor framework ensures that both City Building and all associated suppliers behave in a socially and environmentally responsible manor, benefiting the communities we work and live within.
“As our business has grown so too has the number of opportunities for businesses of all sizes to play their part in that and we are really proud of our new framework which opens the door to even the smallest of local businesses. City Building is proud to continue to drive economic growth and create high quality, sustainable employment opportunities through its subcontractor agreement. I wish all tendering firms the best of luck.”
