Link Group Ltd has established a new Framework Agreement to support the delivery of its extensive Affordable Housing Programme across Scotland.
Following full compliance with the OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union) supplier procurement process, Link has entered into a framework agreement with twelve contractors to deliver a number of projects over the next four years.
The contractors appointed to the framework are: Cruden Building and Renewals, Dawn Homes Ltd, Hadden Construction Ltd, J Smart & Co Contractors plc, Graham Construction, Keepmoat, Lovell Partnerships Ltd, McTaggart & Mickel Ltd, McTaggart Construction Ltd, Morrison Spottiswood Construction, Ogilvie Group Ltd and ISG.
The formulation of a framework agreement for contractors will allow a more responsive and less resource intensive approach to procurement. It will also ensure the correct expertise and experience are being utilised to deliver each project.
Link has established a number of goals which contractors are expected to meet throughout the lifespan of each project. These include improving design quality, reducing risk, delivering excellent customer service, focussing on quality, using sustainable construction, promoting continuous improvement, exemplary standards of Health & Safety and delivering added value from community benefits which produce employment and training opportunities.
Colin Culross, Director of Development and Asset Management, said: “The establishment of this new contracting framework emphasises Link’s commitment to supporting the Scottish Government and Local Authorities’ Affordable Housing Programme. As a major developer of affordable homes throughout Scotland, this framework will produce more effective and efficient tendering outcomes for Link and its partners while providing Contractors, selected on a qualitative basis, the opportunity to price work with increased certainty. The Framework has been structured in a way that it can also be accessed by other Housing Providers that we engage with.”
Further information:
Celebrating its 50th birthday in 2012, the Link group of housing, support and regeneration companies offers a wide range of services to 10,000 families and individuals, primarily in Scotland’s Central belt. Link builds or improves 100 homes each year for rent or low cost home ownership and plans to invest around £98 million to complete nearly 750 new or improved homes within the next five years.
Link looks forward to developing further the scope and range of its services which it has evolved to meet the changing needs of the people who use them, by taking an active role in the creation of sustainable communities, by developing partnerships with tenants, local people and other agencies to build low cost homes and community and health facilities. Link is committed to the principles of social justice and inclusion.
Link comprises a parent company – Link Group Ltd – and five subsidiaries:
Link Group Ltd owns the group’s housing stock and other assets. It provides Asset Management, Business Development, Communications, Corporate, Development, Finance, Health & Safety, Human Resources, Information Systems and Technical services to the whole group.
Link Housing Association Ltd is one of the largest organisations of its kind in Scotland. It provides quality housing management services, including property management, to around 6,500 tenants in social rented accommodation – both general needs and sheltered – with bases in east, central and west Scotland and the Highlands. Link Housing also provides first class Advice Services that combat poverty by means of assistance and advocacy.
Larkfield Housing Association Ltd is a community-based Registered Social Landlord operating in the Larkfield community in Greenock. Larkfield was formed in 1997 and owns or manages almost 1,000 properties.
Horizon Housing Association Ltd promotes and provides affordable housing and services that enable people, irrespective of impairment, to live full independent lives in the community of their choice. Horizon owns 820 properties in 11 local authority areas across the central belt, integrating housing to meet the specific needs of wheelchair users. Horizon also provides factoring services and manages the West Lothian Care and Repair service providing advice and assistance to over 1,000 older and disabled home owners annually.
LinkLiving Ltd works to make a positive difference to the lives of people affected by social exclusion. People with vulnerabilities that include homelessness, mental health issues and learning disabilities are supported by person centred support services in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Falkirk and Fife. LinkLiving works with around 1000 people with a diverse range of needs every year including 100 volunteers, developing their skills and confidence.
Link Homes Ltd provides low cost housing for sale and estate management services to private owners