Scape's revamped framework fails to recognise the value of SMEs

摘要

Scape Group has announced a new framework that effectively sees it move from using one contractor to several on its revamped £5.5bn national construction framework. By now, most SMEs will have noticed that all interested parties must have a turnover exceeding £125m for the smallest banded lot - worth £2m to £20m - in England and Northern Ireland. SMEs are firms with either an annual turnover under £40m or an annual balance-sheet total below £34m. Once again, public sector procurement is weighted in favour of the national contractors.