Frameworks are delivering for small businesses

Finance Minister Nigel Dodds has highlighted the role Framework Agreements are playing in opening up procurement opportunities for small local firms.

The Minister was speaking during a visit to the Ulster Museum refurbishment project in Belfast. The project will not only improve the physical infrastructure of the building but will improve facilities for visitors and provide additional exhibition space.

Mr Dodds said: “The importance of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) to the local economy cannot be underestimated. They make up the vast majority of local businesses and create employment right across Northern Ireland.

“Departments have forecast an outturn capital investment this financial year of more than £1.5billion, an investment that has provided local firms with the opportunity to bid for goods, works and services ranging from office supplies to the design and construction of major infrastructure projects.

“I am pleased, therefore, that the existence of Government framework agreements are opening more opportunities for small local businesses.

“Not only do the Frameworks speed up the tendering process and help accelerate procurement spend, they also encourage smaller firms to work together to secure larger contracts.

“An excellent example of Government frameworks delivering cost effective procurement for Government and SMEs is the Central Procurement Directorate Construction Professional Services Framework. Under this agreement Northern Ireland firms have had the opportunity to bid for a series of construction related project management and design services commissions over a four year period.”

Framework agreements also cut down on the cost to both the public sector and contractors of the tender process and help firms better plan their future workload, in turn providing secure employment for their staff.

Paul Millar, Hamilton Architects, one of the 15 firms included in the CPD Construction Professional Services Framework, and appointed from the framework as designers of the Ulster Museum refurbishment project, stated that: “Participation in the CPD Framework has significantly expanded our capability to do larger complex projects and compete in the export market. The experience has improved our service to clients, giving us practical experience of Government’s Achieving Excellence guidelines.

“Hamilton Architects’ involvement in the CPD Framework has led to significant growth with recent recruitment and plans to build a larger office in Belfast city centre.

“The Framework has also provided continuity of work and given us the confidence to invest in the future, for example we currently sponsor three students through university.

“Furthermore, our Framework involvement is highly beneficial to the local economy with 98% of our fee income retained in Northern Ireland.”

The multi-million pound project will see the Ulster Museum radically revitalised, creating an additional 1,225 square metres of gallery space, entirely refurbished galleries and state-of-the-art visitor facilities including interactive learning zones and a new restaurant overlooking Botanic Gardens.

Nigel Dodds concluded: “Framework agreements are helping deliver a more effective procurement system that is delivering unprecedented levels of Government investment. SMEs, who secure over 90% of Government contracts, are increasingly benefiting from this approach as the example of Hamilton Architects and others demonstrates.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Media enquiries to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7374 or 028 9052 7375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
2. For further information on Hamilton Architects, please contact Paul Millar, Hamilton Architects Tel: 028 9047 1374.