Integra Buildings has been named as a supplier for the Government's newly-launched Modular Buildings Solutions framework - a four-year drive to deliver construction projects for the public sector.
The ground-breaking modular construction drive has been launched by Crown Commercial Service (CCS) - an executive agency of the Cabinet Office that supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2017/18, it delivered £354million in commercial benefits including savings for central government, and £247million for the wider public sector - helping to deliver world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers. It will aim to employ innovative, offsite modular construction solutions to deliver cost-effective and high-quality building projects for a wide range of public organisations, including in the healthcare, education and defence sectors.
Managing Director Gary Parker said: "The Government is making a very serious commitment to modular building and being named on the framework is massive for us. At a time when all businesses are having to deal with uncertainty, this will give us the confidence to create new jobs and invest in our people and facilities because of the potential value of the work. In our fastgrowing industry, it's vital to keep investing in people and technology, so being a part of this framework will help us to secure the long-term future of the business.
The CCS framework has an estimated value of £495million over the next four years, beginning in May. Integra is one of 24 preferred suppliers, including major modular manufacturers such as Caledonian, McAvoy and Portakabin, alongside 19 small and medium enterprises. Suppliers will be able to bid in up to seven 'lots' to deliver projects across a wide range of sectors. The new CCS framework is its first national, cross-sector modular building campaign - a potential step-change for the industry.
Chris Turner, Commercial Director at Integra Buildings, said: "There's been nothing of the size of this framework in our industry before. The Government has recognised that offsite construction can help achieve best-value for taxpayers, not only in capital costs, but also running costs, by building facilities that are energy efficient and low maintenance. Our aim is always to engage with a client very early in the design process and work closely with them to develop a high-quality building solution that is competitive in pricing."
John Welch, Deputy Director of Construction Services at CCS, said of the framework: "CCS is really pleased to be able to provide the public sector with such a comprehensive solution to their temporary building requirements.
The current generation of modular buildings are solid, well-insulated and can be appropriately specified - providing a quick, safe and cost-effective answer to our customers' needs. Although we have put education and healthcare sector customers at the forefront of our framework design, this framework has been prepared to serve all aspects of central government and the wider public sector for their temporary and semi-permanent modular building requirements." To win a place on the CCS framework, companies were subjected to a rigorous assessment of factors such as its financial standing, health and safety record and product quality. Previous customers were contacted for references and the business also had to demonstrate commitment to cyber security by achieving accreditation from the Government-backed Cyber Essentials scheme.
"We're immensely proud to be named on the framework," said Gary Parker "Being involved alongside the likes of McAvoy, Portakabin and Caledonian is a real vote of confidence in Integra and our people. We're now punching with the industry's big hitters."
