top of page
Established 2002 - Now in our 22nd Year
Woking work
A word from Peter Bird, proprietor at Primary Business Support
This year, 2024, is going to be a year of great change for those working in the public sector who manage procurement, contract management and all things contract related.
The Contract Regulations 2015 are being replaced by the Procurement Act 2023 from 28th October 2024.
The new act is the first major review of public sector procurement since the UK left the EU and it utilises the new freedoms open to the UK government.
News and Views Preview:
Client Comment:
Our experience and specialism in contract management, drafting specifications, procurement and all the elements associated with these issues, such as leaseholder consultation under S20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, puts us in an ideal position to support your organisation through this time of change, and opportunity.
Our recent work
Our forensic approach to assisting social housing organisations, both housing associations and local authorities, has provided clients with the knowledge to understand and manage their existing contracts, and their approach to new contracts.
With Woking BC we have supported their housing repairs and maintenance staff in the procurement of seven key asset management contracts. These have been procured through open, restricted, framework and DPS processes. These contracts included a responsive repairs service, estate cleaning, disabled adaptations, electrical services, water hygiene, and kitchen and bathroom contracts.
We are working with a local authority as it manages the introduction of a new roofing contract, working as an associate to a large social housing consultancy.
For a South Wales housing association we have undertaken a complete review of its contracts and procurement arrangements and supported them in implementing new policy and procedures to ensure compliance with internal and external controls and regulations. This work has included training in procurement, including awareness training and practitioner training.
For a rural housing association based in the south of England, we have undertaken a review of documentation for CDM purposes and the integration of a coherent set of documents to ensure compliance, best practice and ease of use. This is linked to a review of a contractors' code of practice and arrangements for an approved contractors scheme for low cost works and services.
We have completed a call off from a pre-existing framework agreement for English Rural Housing Association's heating servicing requirements. We are now working with them in the procurement of a new grounds maintenance service, including specification, S20 consultation, and the full procurement process.
Working with HOUSING dynamics, Richard Medley’s company, we have undertaken a review of the process for applications for funding of new developments in the Irish Republic. This involved a series of interviews with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) looking at the various elements of applications in a review of existing arrangements. Through careful analysis and an understanding of the driving requirements we have made recommendations to the Housing Agency for improvements to the process We have worked with the Agency and AHBs in a pilot exercise, testing these proposals and the Agency is working towards the rollout in the coming months.
For another housing association we have developed a guidance manual for S20 consultations across all the permutations for works, long term agreements, above and below the procurement thresholds for public works. This includes flow charts, templates and good practice, whilst acknowledging the excellent resources available elsewhere.
We can help you to procure and manage your contracts to ensure appropriate specification, contract management and procurement processes. Give us a call to see how we can help your organisation through these changing times.
You contact us by telephone or email and we can meet through Teams or Zoom.
Peter Bird FCIH FCMI
About Primary Business Support
PBS is a small social housing consultancy able to offer you a personal service tailored to your needs. With over 25 years working for local authorities and housing associations and over twenty years working as a social housing consultant I am able to provide you with bespoke consultancy and project management. A network of like-minded independent consultants also enables me to work collaboratively to extend the services that I can offer you.
PBS are very thorough, reliable and knowledgeable in all guidance and support given. We received regular updates throughout the project, Peter was available to contact to answer any questions and his advice was invaluable.
Kathryn Harrison, Resident Services Director, English Rural Housing Association, July 2022, following a successful contract appointment for gas servicing under an existing framework agreement.
Remote working
Thanks to our investment in technology we are able to provide consultancy services through the use of conference calls, video calls, file sharing and, of course, telephone calls and email. We use email or Microsoft Teams for the exchange and sharing of documents and other files and use Teams or Zoom for on-line conferencing, depending on the client's preference.
Cookies
This website uses cookies to allow the enhancement of the site design and monitor visitor interest. For further details please follow this link. Your continued use of the site will be deemed to be acceptance of these cookies.
bottom of page