Up to £800 million worth of construction contracts are up for grabs as the Fourth South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework opens for tender.

Managed by Carmarthenshire County Council alongside Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, Ceredigion County Council and Swansea Council, this comprehensive initiative is designed to help public sector and voluntary organisations not only these five counties, but any additional public and voluntary bodies operating within the Powys Region.

The aim of the framework - which is live on Sell2Wales - is broad and long-term.

It is designed to facilitate a range of major works contracts over the next four years, extending until 2028.

Such works include not only new builds, but also refurbishments and building repairs throughout the South West Wales region and beyond.

Offering an efficient and compliant route to market, it also provides access to leading contractors, effectively reducing procurement timescales and associated costs.

Smaller businesses haven't been overlooked either.

A considerable emphasis has been placed on supporting small and medium-sized businesses in the Welsh supply chain.

The intention is to give a significant boost to the economy in the counties and drive employment opportunities.

Additional focus is being given to social value practices.

Every project exceeding £1 million is expected to leave a positive impact on community legacy, aligning with the aspirations of the Well Being of Future Generations Act.

Environmentally conscious considerations are evident in the blueprint of the framework.

Initiatives centred around net zero and carbon reduction are prioritised with the intention to combat climate change and advance energy efficient constructions.

This therefore aims to foster long-term resilience in the construction industry, protecting investments and community interests from prospective uncertainties.

The tender opportunity extends to a wide host of organisations, ranging from central government departments and NHS bodies, to local authorities and even the voluntary sector.

A Supplier Briefing Event that took place in April 2024 initiated the release of the tender and served to provide key information to potential framework contractors.

Due to the immense turnout at this event, more workshops and detailed insights will be made available post the release of the tender.

Reflecting on this development, director of place and infrastructure for Carmarthenshire County Council, Ainsley Williams, said: "The South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework is an excellent opportunity for contractors to gain work from local authorities in the region and other public sector organisations in this part of Wales.

"Following a successful Supplier Briefing Event that was held in Llanelli in April, applications to tender for the regional contractors framework are now being accepted via the Sell2Wales website."

Anyone wishing to join the tender can apply on the Sell2Wales website.