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Procuring under pressure: How frameworks keep projects moving

Procurement is one of the biggest causes of project delays and is a constant challenge facing the construction industry. With severe financial and reputational consequences, due to increases in material costs and missed deadlines that happen as a result of procurement delays, a solution needs to be found.

We spoke to our Business Development Manager, Sian Lewis, about this issue, the importance of maintaining flexibility, and the role that frameworks have to play in smoothing procurement processes.

What does “procuring under pressure” actually mean in practice?

“When demand suddenly surges, brought on by events such as the backlog in school maintenance, hospital rebuilding programmes, or the government’s ambitious infrastructure targets, quick delivery is of utmost importance. This places pressure on procurement and, with multiple projects competing for limited resources, maintaining flexibility and speed without sacrificing compliance or quality is essential.”

Why is flexibility so essential in pressured procurement?

“Being ready to act quickly, access reliable suppliers, and move projects forward when under pressure is vital, especially in time-sensitive sectors such as education and healthcare. The flexibility afforded by frameworks can simplify the entire process by removing some of the red tape and speeding up the timeline. Maintaining flexibility also enables buyers to keep projects on track by adapting to changing timelines.”

What is the NHS SBS framework, and how does it work?

“The NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) framework agreement, Modular Buildings 3, allows public sector organisations to access a verified list of modular construction suppliers quickly and easily. The framework spans healthcare, education and housing and further cements modular’s place as a critical enabler of public sector infrastructure projects.”

How do frameworks like NHS SBS help organisations respond to urgent demand?

“When time is critical, frameworks help to cut through red tape. The NHS SBS framework provides buyers with a list of approved suppliers with proven expertise, along with ready terms and conditions, saving time on negotiation. The result is faster project delivery without compromising compliance. Whether it’s urgent school repairs or healthcare expansions, frameworks provide quicker delivery, meaning speed and compliance really do go hand in hand.”

What types of projects benefit most from this approach?

“Time-sensitive sectors profit most from the advantages afforded by frameworks. In education, schools need classrooms ready for the start of the academic year, for example. Frameworks enable modular solutions to be deployed quickly, whether that means temporary teaching spaces during refurbishment or new, permanent facilities delivered at speed. In healthcare, the ability to expand or adapt facilities quickly can directly affect patient care. Sectors where deadlines are strict are where procurement frameworks really prove their value.”

What should buyers look for when choosing the right framework?

“Buyers should look out for supplier vetting to ensure reliability and competence, contract flexibility and sector-specific expertise, especially in education and healthcare. But ultimately the beauty of these frameworks is that they make buyers’ lives easier, stripping away the need to do their own time-consuming research, instead being presented with a pre-approved list of reputable suppliers.”

What’s the main takeaway?

“Procurement under pressure doesn’t have to mean compromise. Frameworks like NHS SBS Modular Buildings 3 combine speed with compliance, enabling projects to move forward quickly and confidently. By removing bottlenecks and providing ready access to qualified suppliers, frameworks hold the key to overcoming this key industry challenge.”

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