Framework Announcement: Hyde Housing £6bn Capital & Planned Works

Get Ahead

Hyde Housing Association is preparing to launch a £6 billion framework for capital delivery and planned works, creating a significant opportunity for contractors working across the social housing sector.

Please note: this tender does not release until 3rd December 2026. But if you're bidding, now is the time to prepare.

The Improve Framework (Capital Delivery and Planned Works), procured by Echelon Consultancy and managed by Pretium Frameworks, is expected to cover 13 workstreams, including kitchens and bathrooms, roofing, electrical installations, damp and mould remediation and whole house refurbishment.

With the tender notice anticipated on 3 December 2026, contractors have a valuable opportunity to get their evidence, accreditations and case studies in order before bidding begins.

But with multiple workstreams, geographical areas and contract value bands to consider, preparation will be about more than simply deciding whether to bid.

Here's what contractors need to know about the Hyde Improve Framework, who it could benefit and how to prepare a competitive submission.

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Hyde Improve Framework at a Glance

• Contracting authority: Hyde Housing Association
• Procured by: Echelon Consultancy
• Managed by: Pretium Frameworks (part of the Echelon Group)
• Estimated framework value: £6 billion excluding VAT
• Framework term: 1 June 2027 – 31 May 2031
• Potential extension: Until 31 May 2032
• Geographical coverage: National, divided into defined geographical areas
• Expected tender publication: 3 December 2026
• Market engagement deadline: 5 November 2026
• Potential bidders: Contractors of varying sizes, including SMEs and VCSEs

These details are based on the preliminary market engagement information and remain subject to change when the formal tender documents are published.

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What Is Included in the Hyde Improve Framework?

The Improve Framework is expected to cover 13 workstreams across planned maintenance, property improvements and capital investment.

The proposed workstreams are:

• Kitchens and Bathrooms
• Windows and Doors
• Conservation and Heritage Works
• Roofs
• Electrical Installations
• Infrastructure and Improvement Works
• External and Communal Decorating
• Flooring
• Aids and Adaptations
• Damp and Mould Remediation
• Ground Works
• Whole House Refurbishment
• Estate Investment

Each workstream is also expected to be divided into contract value bands, with opportunities available across defined geographical areas.

For SMEs, this could be particularly significant.

Rather than competing directly with national Tier One contractors for large-scale programmes, smaller businesses may be able to target opportunities that align more closely with their capabilities, experience and geographical coverage.

However, the number of available workstreams shouldn't encourage contractors to bid indiscriminately.

A specialist roofing contractor with strong regional experience, for example, may be better positioned to compete for a focused opportunity than to pursue multiple workstreams without sufficient supporting evidence.

The objective isn't to bid for everything. It's to identify where your business can demonstrate the strongest capability.

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Why Does the £6bn Improve Framework Matter?

One of the most significant features of the Improve Framework is its potential reach beyond Hyde Housing Association.

Once established, the framework is intended to be available to other eligible public sector organisations, including local authorities, housing associations and registered housing providers.

For successful suppliers, this could create opportunities to compete for work with multiple public sector buyers without having to participate in a completely new framework procurement each time.

There are three further considerations worth understanding.

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1. Opportunities could extend beyond the framework term

The framework is expected to operate for four years, with a potential extension to 2032.

Individual contracts awarded through the framework may continue beyond its expiry, subject to the framework's final terms and applicable procurement rules.

For contractors, this creates the potential for longer-term relationships and future work opportunities.

However, securing a framework position does not automatically guarantee contracts or revenue. Suppliers will still need to meet the relevant call-off requirements.

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2. Improve is one of three related frameworks

The Improve Framework is being developed alongside two other Pretium frameworks:

• Maintain Framework: Repairs and Empty Homes
• Protect Framework: Compliance Services

Contractors offering services across planned works, responsive repairs and property compliance should consider whether more than one framework aligns with their business.

For example, a contractor delivering both electrical installations and ongoing electrical compliance services may find opportunities across different frameworks.

Understanding where your services fit could help you build a more targeted public sector tender pipeline.

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3. Hyde has an established relationship with Pretium

Hyde has previously worked with Pretium on frameworks covering building and fire safety and materials supply.

While this provides useful background, contractors should not assume that previous procurement arrangements will determine the evaluation approach for Improve.

The formal tender documents will establish the specific eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and submission expectations.

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Awaab's Law: Why the Timing Matters

The anticipated Improve Framework tender publication comes just three days after a significant regulatory development for England's social housing sector.

Phase 2 of Awaab's Law is scheduled to come into force on 30 November 2026, extending fixed-timescale requirements to additional categories of serious housing hazards.

These include:

• Excess cold and excess heat
• Falls, including unsafe stairs and changes in level
• Structural collapse
• Fire and explosions
• Electrical hazards
• Domestic hygiene hazards

The legislation places further responsibilities on social landlords in England to investigate and address qualifying hazards within prescribed timescales.

Although the framework's final evaluation criteria have not yet been published, these developments provide important context for contractors working in occupied social housing.

For example, a contractor bidding for electrical installations, roofing or damp and mould remediation may benefit from demonstrating how they identify risks, communicate urgent issues and support effective remedial works.

Evidence could include:

• Procedures for identifying and escalating safety concerns
• Experience delivering works in occupied properties
• Resident communication and safeguarding arrangements
• Emergency response and mobilisation capabilities
• Quality assurance and record-keeping processes

Importantly, Awaab's Law applies to social housing in England, and contractors should distinguish their own contractual responsibilities from the statutory duties placed on landlords.

For further information, read the Government's Awaab's Law Phase 2 guidance.

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Can You Still Bid If You Missed the Market Engagement Deadline?

Yes. Missing the preliminary market engagement deadline does not automatically prevent you from bidding for the Improve Framework.

The market engagement survey closed on 5 November 2026, but preliminary market engagement and formal tender submission are separate stages of the procurement process.

Market engagement allows contracting authorities to gather feedback from suppliers before finalising their procurement approach.

The formal tender stage is where interested suppliers submit their bids in accordance with the published requirements.

Therefore, contractors who did not participate in the initial engagement exercise may still be eligible to compete when the tender is published, provided they meet the relevant conditions.

With the tender notice expected on 3 December, there's still an opportunity to prepare.

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Who Should Bid for the Hyde Improve Framework?

The framework could be relevant to a wide range of contractors delivering capital and planned works within social housing.

It may be particularly attractive to:

• Regional SMEs and specialist subcontractors: Businesses with established delivery capabilities in specific geographical areas may benefit from the proposed regional structure and value bands.
• Established social housing contractors: Contractors with experience delivering planned maintenance programmes, managing resident disruption and meeting housing association requirements may already hold valuable evidence for their submissions.
• Heritage and conservation specialists: The inclusion of a dedicated conservation and heritage workstream could create opportunities for contractors with specialist qualifications and relevant project experience.
• Damp and mould remediation contractors: Businesses able to demonstrate effective investigation, remediation, preventative measures and resident communication may find this workstream particularly relevant.
• Adaptations and accessibility specialists: Contractors delivering aids and adaptations could benefit from demonstrating experience improving accessibility, supporting vulnerable residents and delivering works safely in occupied homes.

However, suitability will depend on the final lot structure, eligibility criteria and contract requirements.

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How to Prepare for the Hyde Improve Framework Tender

Waiting until the tender notice is published could leave contractors with limited time to gather the evidence needed for a competitive submission.

Here are six steps we'd recommend taking now.

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1. Identify the right workstreams and value bands

Start by reviewing which proposed workstreams align with your business.

Consider your geographical coverage, contract delivery capacity, specialist experience and the size of projects you typically undertake.

A structured bid/no-bid assessment can help you focus resources on opportunities where you have the strongest chance of success.

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2. Gather relevant case studies

Strong tender responses need more than general statements about experience.

Start collecting examples of comparable projects that demonstrate your ability to deliver similar works, ideally within social housing or other occupied environments.

For each case study, consider documenting:

• Contract scope and value
• Client requirements and delivery challenges
• Resident engagement arrangements
• Health, safety and quality management
• Measurable results and client feedback

The strongest examples are not necessarily your largest projects. They're the ones that most closely demonstrate your ability to meet the buyer's requirements.

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3. Review accreditations, policies and insurance

Check that your existing accreditations, insurance arrangements and company policies are current.

Depending on the workstreams pursued, relevant evidence could include health and safety procedures, quality management arrangements, environmental policies and trade-specific certifications.

Don't assume that your existing documentation will automatically satisfy the tender requirements. Check it against the formal conditions when published.

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4. Prepare your approach to resident engagement

Planned works in social housing frequently involve delivering services within occupied properties.

This makes resident communication, safeguarding, accessibility and disruption management particularly important.

Consider how you would demonstrate your approach to arranging appointments, managing complaints, supporting vulnerable residents and maintaining safe working environments.

Where possible, support these arrangements with evidence from previous contracts.

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5. Review your social value offer

Social value is an important consideration across public procurement, but generic promises are unlikely to differentiate your business.

Consider what your organisation can realistically deliver within the communities where contracts may be awarded.

This could include local employment, apprenticeships, supply chain opportunities, skills development or community investment.

Your proposed commitments should be measurable, relevant and proportionate to the contracts you are pursuing.

The final tender documents will determine how social value is evaluated.

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6. Get your supplier information and bid library ready

Check your registration and supplier information on the relevant procurement platforms, including the Central Digital Platform.

The original procurement information identifies EU-Supply, but suppliers should follow the submission instructions confirmed in the formal tender notice.

You should also consider building or updating a central bid library containing your case studies, policies, accreditations, method statements and supporting evidence.

Having this information organised before publication can reduce the administrative burden and give your team more time to focus on the quality of its responses.

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How BWS Can Help You Bid for the Improve Framework

With 13 proposed workstreams, multiple geographical areas and different contract value bands, the Hyde Improve Framework presents opportunities for contractors of varying sizes.

But securing a place will require more than meeting the minimum eligibility requirements.

You'll need to demonstrate why your business is capable of delivering the relevant services and provide clear, persuasive evidence against the buyer's evaluation criteria.

At BWS, we support contractors throughout the tendering process, from initial preparation through to final submission.

Our services include:

• Bid Writing: Developing structured, evidence-led tender responses tailored to the evaluation criteria.
• Bid Review: Independently reviewing your submission to identify weaknesses and opportunities for improvement.
• Bid Management: Coordinating the tender process, managing deadlines and ensuring submission requirements are addressed.
• Bid Libraries: Organising your company information, case studies and supporting documentation for future opportunities.
• Bid/No-Bid Support: Helping you assess which opportunities are worth pursuing.

Whether you're an established social housing contractor or an SME looking to secure your first framework position, our team can help you approach the opportunity with a clear bidding strategy.

Don't wait until the tender lands to get bid ready.

Contact our team on 01257 696021 or email info@bidwritingservice.com to discuss how we can support your Improve Framework submission.