Westmorland and Furness Council's Cabinet has approved a new Professional Services Framework for 2026–2030, appointing a range of specialist consultants to support the delivery of the Council's capital works programme.
The decision was approved by the council leaders at their cabinet meeting with the framework expected to go live on 1 August 2026 and will run for four years.
The framework will provide streamlined access to professional consultancy services to support the development and delivery of a wide range of projects, including highways and infrastructure improvements, school and corporate estate upgrades, new build developments and regeneration schemes.
Fourteen consultants have been selected across three Lots:
Lot 1 – Property
Lot 2 – Civils and Infrastructure
Lot 3 – Planning
The procurement process attracted strong interest from the market, with over 40 organisations submitting bids. Submissions were evaluated on capability, capacity, performance management, and their commitment to social value and environmental sustainability, ensuring alignment with the Council Plan and the Westmorland and Furness Social Value Statement.
Of the successful consultants, 36% are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with around 50% based in Cumbria and others in Greater Manchester and the North East, supporting the Council's commitment to strengthening the regional economy.
The framework has an estimated value of up to £12 million (£14.4 million including VAT) over its four year term.
It will support a broad programme of activity, including:
Highways, bridges and drainage improvements
Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) schemes
Decarbonisation projects such as heat pumps and solar PV installations
Mechanical and electrical design for council buildings and schools
Architectural design and project delivery for property new builds and extensions
Programme and project management services
A strong emphasis has been placed on social value and climate action. All appointed consultants have set out clear, measurable commitments to support local communities, create opportunities for residents, and reduce carbon emissions. Performance against these commitments will be monitored throughout the life of the framework.
The framework will also play a key role in delivering the Council's priorities by improving local infrastructure and services, supporting economic growth, enhancing community spaces and contributing to the Council's target to reduce scope 3 carbon emissions by 2050.
A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said:
"This new Professional Services Framework ensures we have the right expertise in place to deliver vital infrastructure and improvement projects across Westmorland and Furness over the next four years.
It will help us deliver high quality schools, safer and more efficient highways, improved public buildings and ambitious regeneration schemes that benefit our communities.
We are particularly pleased to see strong representation from local and regional businesses, including SMEs, alongside clear commitments to social value and reducing carbon emissions.
This framework will not only support the delivery of our capital programme, but also ensure that wider benefits are realised for residents, local communities and the environment."
Contract agreements are now being finalised with the appointed consultants, enabling the framework to become operational from August 2026.
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