Regional contractors could be 'wiped out' without frameworks

Large regional contractors could be "wiped out" unless Building Schools for the Future (BSF) schemes are opened out beyond a small group of national contractors.

That's the warning from Leadbitter chief executive Bob Rendell, who is calling for the £5bn National Academies framework - to be advertised in March - to be amended to improve competition and provide value for money.

He said: "The only reason for the national route is that national contractors have brainwashed the government into doing it. It's about time they woke up to the fact that if they carry on down this route, the large regional contractors will be wiped out."

The current list has six members - Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Kier, Laing O'Rourke, Skanska and Willmott Dixon - all boast national coverage.

Rendell added: "A client wanted to talk to us but was referred back to the framework when competition for the academy was next to zero. The project went to the only contractor that showed an interest."

Leadbitter is now in talks with a handful of contractors of a similar size in order to find a partner to expand its national coverage to bid for a framework. It has also recruited Phil Porter, formerly development director at Hochtief, to spearhead its education push.

Rendell said: "The current procurement route is not providing value. If the government broke this up into four regions and set up a forum to share best practice, it would give better value and improve delivery capability."

A Partnerships for Schools spokeswoman said: "We are currently exploring a range of options and will be making a detailed statement in the spring."