We’ve got some exciting news to share! CB Services Group has just won a major tender with Housing 21, marking a significant milestone for our company as a primary contractor. This new partnership is set to have a big impact on both organisations and the residents we serve. We’re thrilled to be chosen as a key contractor for Housing 21’s upcoming projects.

Our successful bid is the result of hard work from our procurement team and our commitment to meeting tender submission guidelines. We’ll be diving into the details of Housing 21’s procurement process, how we secured this contract, and what it means for Housing 21 residents. We’ll also explore how this win fits into CB Services Group’s business growth and what it could mean for future public sector frameworks. We are growing as construction delivery partners in the industry.

Housing 21’s Procurement Process

Housing 21’s procurement process is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and value for money in their contracting activities. As an organisation that spends over £100 million annually on various services, goods, and works, they have a robust system in place to manage their procurement needs.

Tender Types

Housing 21 employs different types of tenders to meet their diverse requirements. These include:

National Contract Awards: The Procurement Team primarily focuses on these tenders to guarantee that residents live in safe, high-quality homes that enhance their overall experience.
Framework Agreements: Housing 21 often utilises various Framework Agreements to streamline the procurement process and ensure compliance with regulations .
Low Value Opportunities: For smaller contracts, Housing 21 advertises on Contracts Finder, a government website that lists public sector procurement opportunities .
High Value Opportunities: Larger contracts are advertised on the government’s official portal for high-value public sector contracts .

Value Thresholds

Housing 21 categorises its procurement opportunities based on value thresholds. This approach helps to ensure that the appropriate procurement methods are used for contracts of different sizes and complexities. The organisation regularly reviews and updates its procurement pipeline for high-value contracts that exceed the UK threshold .

Some examples of high-value contracts in Housing 21’s procurement pipeline include:

Commercial Gas Service and Business Management Systems, with a maximum contract expiry date of 17/11/2028.
Communal Lighting Supply & Installation, expiring on 18/12/2030.
Fire Alarm Supply and Installation, with a contract end date of 18/12/2030.

These high-value contracts demonstrate the scale and scope of Housing 21’s procurement activities, highlighting the importance of a well-structured procurement process.

Electronic Tendering

To streamline its procurement process, Housing 21 has embraced electronic tendering. They use the Delta electronic tendering ePortal to manage their tendering activities. This platform offers several benefits:

Supplier Registration: Suppliers and contractors can register for free and receive various tender alerts.
Profile Management: Once registered, suppliers can manage their individual profiles, ensuring that their information is up-to-date and relevant to Housing 21’s needs ⁶.
End-to-End Solution: Delta eSourcing provides an EU-compliant, web-based service that allows buyers to manage tenders, suppliers, and contracts in a single solution ⁷.
Transparency: The use of an electronic platform enhances transparency in the procurement process, making it easier for potential suppliers to access opportunities and submit bids.
Efficiency: Electronic tendering reduces paperwork and streamlines the evaluation process, leading to faster decision-making and contract awards.

By leveraging electronic tendering, Housing 21 demonstrates its commitment to modernising its procurement practises and ensuring a fair, efficient, and transparent process for all stakeholders involved.

CB Services Group’s Successful Bid

Company Background

CB Services Group, formerly known as CB Fire and Electrical Ltd, has established itself as a trusted name in the industry since its founding in 2012. Our expertise spans across multiple sectors, including local authorities, healthcare, commercial, industrial, and education. We offer a comprehensive range of services, such as electrical installation, passive fire systems, compliance, security, and eco systems.

Our coverage is the South East of England area and includes Inner London. With a team of highly skilled professionals, we’re well-equipped to handle projects of all sizes and complexities. Our focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction has been key to our success in winning tenders and growing our business.

Winning Factors

Several factors contributed to CB Services Group’s successful bid with Housing 21. Our commitment to meeting tender submission guidelines and our procurement team’s hard work were crucial in securing this contract. We demonstrated our expertise in delivering first-class solutions tailored to specific needs, which aligns well with Housing 21’s requirements.

Our track record of completing over 20,000 Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) in the past two years showcased our capability to deliver electrical compliance on a large scale. This experience was particularly relevant to Housing 21’s needs, as they manage a significant portfolio of properties requiring regular electrical inspections and maintenance.

Additionally, our recent achievement of Cyber Essentials Plus certification demonstrated our commitment to digital security. This certification likely gave us an edge in the bidding process, as it assures clients of our dedication to protecting sensitive information – a crucial factor when working with housing associations.

Contract Details

While specific details of the contract with Housing 21 are not provided in the available information, we can infer some aspects based on typical procurement processes in the social housing sector. Housing 21 spends over £100 million each year on a wide range of services, goods, and works. Their procurement team generally supports tenders for national contract awards to ensure residents reside in safe, quality homes that enhance their experience.

The contract with CB Services Group is likely to involve electrical installation and maintenance services across Housing 21’s properties. Given our expertise in compliance and security systems, the contract may also encompass these areas, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of Housing 21 residents.

As part of the tender process, CB Services Group would have had to demonstrate compliance with Housing 21’s contractor requirements. This typically includes having Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) accreditation, which may be achieved through bodies such as Construction Line, SMAS, or CHAS Advanced .

Winning this tender with Housing 21 marks a significant milestone for CB Services Group. It not only demonstrates our growing reputation in the industry but also positions us for potential future opportunities within public sector frameworks. This success aligns with our business growth strategy and strengthens our position as a trusted construction delivery partner in the sector.

Impact on Housing 21 Residents

The partnership between CB Services Group and Housing 21 is set to have a significant impact on the residents of Housing 21 properties. This collaboration aims to enhance the quality of life for older people of modest means, aligning with Housing 21’s core purpose of providing high-quality housing with support or care.

Service Improvements

CB Services Group’s expertise in electrical installation, passive fire systems, compliance, and security is expected to bring about substantial improvements in the services provided to Housing 21 residents. With a focus on quality and reliability, CB Services Group is committed to delivering exceptional service and meeting the highest standards in every project they undertake.

One of the key areas where residents are likely to see improvements is in the maintenance and upgrade of essential systems. For instance, the implementation of innovative technologies, such as those used in fire alarm systems, can lead to enhanced safety measures. A similar project with another housing provider resulted in a significant reduction in false alarms and unnecessary evacuations, greatly improving the day-to-day lives of residents.

Quality Assurance

Housing 21’s commitment to quality is evident in their approach to resident satisfaction. In the financial year 2022/2023, they achieved an impressive 89 percent resident satisfaction rate. The partnership with CB Services Group is expected to contribute to maintaining and potentially improving this high level of satisfaction.

CB Services Group’s meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive knowledge of electrical systems and fire protection measures ensure that every project is executed with utmost care and precision. This approach aligns well with Housing 21’s vision of providing quality housing that empowers older people to shape services to meet their needs and preferences.

The collaboration is also likely to enhance compliance with regulations, a crucial aspect of quality assurance in housing services. CB Services Group’s dedication to adhering to strict safety standards and regulations complements Housing 21’s commitment to upholding high governance standards.

Resident Feedback

Housing 21 places great importance on resident feedback and engagement. They have established various channels for residents to voice their opinions and participate in decision-making processes that affect their living environmentx. These include:

Direct communication with local housing managers
Participation in Residents’ Associations
Involvement in national Resident Engagement Groups
Regular surveys to gather views and priorities

With the new partnership, residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the services delivered by CB Services Group. This feedback mechanism is crucial for continuous improvement and ensuring that the services meet the specific needs of Housing 21 residents.

Housing 21 encourages residents to share both positive experiences and areas where improvements are needed. This open communication channel will be vital in assessing the impact of CB Services Group’s work and making necessary adjustments to enhance resident satisfaction.

It’s worth noting that Housing 21 is aware of areas that require improvement. For instance, only 47% of residents were satisfied with the response to complaints according to a recent survey. The partnership with CB Services Group presents an opportunity to address such issues and improve overall resident satisfaction.

The partnership between CB Services Group and Housing 21 has the potential to significantly enhance the living experience of Housing 21 residents. Through service improvements, stringent quality assurance measures, and a robust feedback system, this collaboration aims to create a positive impact on the lives of older people residing in Housing 21 properties. As Bruce Moore, Chief Executive of Housing 21, states, “We’re always keen to hear feedback so we can continue to provide the best possible service today, tomorrow and in the future”. This partnership represents a step towards fulfilling that commitment.

Conclusion

The partnership between CB Services Group and Housing 21 marks a big step forward for both organisations. This collaboration has the potential to greatly improve the living conditions of Housing 21 residents, ensuring they have safe, well-maintained homes. It also showcases CB Services Group’s growing reputation in the industry, setting them up for future success in public sector projects.

This win is a testament to CB Services Group’s commitment to quality and their ability to meet complex tender requirements. It highlights the importance of staying on top of industry standards and investing in areas like cybersecurity. Want to know more about CB Services Group? We would love to set up a meeting. As both organisations move forward together, they’re well-positioned to make a real difference in the lives of older people, while also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in social housing services.

FAQs

What are the key strategies for securing contracts from local councils? To successfully secure contracts from local councils, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand the tender structure and read all provided documentation carefully. Ensuring quality assurance, managing the contract effectively, maintaining robust policies and procedures, and demonstrating continuous improvement and innovation are essential strategies.

How extensive is Housing 21’s property and care provision? Housing 21 operates across 215 local authority areas, managing over 22,400 properties and delivering more than 49,000 hours of social care each week.

CB Services Group Win Tender with Housing 21: A New Partnership