Here in the UK “frameworks” are typically umbrella agreements that set out the terms, that usually include parameters such as specification, quality, price, quantity, under which individual contracts can be made during the lifetime of the framework. Government legislation sets out the legal basis on which ways frameworks are run. One of the guiding principles is that suppliers compete through open competition to be appointed to a framework. In the case of the London Housing Consortium (LHC), publicly funded contracting authorities (i.e. their clients), then call off individual contracts.
The LHC is used by local authorities, social landlords and other public sector bodies to procure works, products and services for the construction, refurbishment and maintenance of social housing and public buildings. The LHC is a not-for-profit central purchasing body who develop OJEU-compliant frameworks in England. LHC’s frameworks are available to all publicly funded contracting authorities in England, Scotland and Wales to procure works, goods and services to construct, refurbish and maintain social housing, schools and public buildings.
The LHC was first established by a collaboration between London boroughs in 1966, but now has offices and field based staff throughout England, Wales and Scotland. Both LHC clients and suppliers trust in the LHC’s knowledge and experience, technical expertise, commitment to better homes and buildings, plus timely and efficient procurement which delivers financial gains.
The LHC also fulfils the very core reasons for Corporate Community Social Responsibility, as it is funded via a small levy paid by their appointed companies on invoices they raise on call-off projects delivered under the framework. As a not-for-profit organisation the LHC returns a surplus to their client contracting authorities, to support social value initiatives in their local communities.
Hazlemere Commercial have been on the last 3 LHC frameworks, and are currently in their 13th successive year as LHC suppliers, plus Hazlemere Commercial were successful in getting onto all five of the five different regional LHC frameworks for the next 4 years for the manufacture and installation of aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling, namely the South West, Midlands, East of England, London and the South East. By the end of the A7 LHC framework for aluminium window, curtain walling and doors, Hazlemere Commercial will have completed 17 successive years as approved LHC suppliers. The new A7 framework commences on 1st June 2020 for a 4 year term. 