Bolton firm gets on £7m education buildings framework

Liverpool-based Fusion21 has announced the contractors successfully appointed to its national Education Modular Buildings Framework, worth up to £225m over a four-year period, with a Bolton-based company selected for nearly £7m of the work.

A total of nine specialist firms from across the UK have secured a place on the framework – which offers four lots including: Lot 1: Hire of Modular Buildings – Temporary Accommodation; Lot 2: Modular Construction with a value of up to £750,000; Lot 3: Modular Construction with a value between £750,000 and £3m and Lot 4: Modular Construction worth £3m.

In addition to the appointment of multiple specialist suppliers, Lots 3 and 4 sought a single supply partner and Wernick Modular Buildings, which has sites in Bolton and Widnes, has been successful.

This approach ensures that Fusion21 members accessing this framework – including local education authorities, academies, colleges and universities – will benefit from significant efficiency savings and social value, plus other advantages including competitive tension, early supplier engagement and transparency of costs.

Nick Verburg, procurement and supply chain manager at Fusion21, said: “This framework offers a flexible procurement solution to all education providers and local authorities who require permanent or temporary safe learning spaces to cope with growing student numbers –  and seek quality modular buildings which are compliant with all building regulations and present lower carbon emissions than traditional builds.

“Accessing the single supply option will also generate enhanced value for money for Fusion21 members – providing opportunities for collaborative working and early supplier engagement which will drive down costs and time efficiencies at the design stage of a project.”

The framework will go live on June 1.

Fusion21 provides procurement services and OJEU compliant frameworks to the education, blue light and social housing sectors, in addition to working alongside NHS Trusts and local authorities.

The firm – which specialises in the procurement of services for property, construction and the built environment – is says it is committed to making a positive difference to its members and their communities and has delivered £147m savings through the procurement process, created more than 3,700 jobs and generated £63m of community impact.