Why the Procurement Act Matters in Demolition

Enforced on 24 February 2025, the Procurement Act is transforming the way public sector contracts are awarded. It aims to create a simpler and more flexible system that streamlines procurement, creating more opportunities across the construction industry, especially for smaller suppliers. 

As well as making it easier to bid for work, the Act has introduced a shift in the award criteria. When assessing tenders, this enables contracting authorities to consider other factors that may create value beyond just price. 

As a demolition contractor working predominately in the public sector, we see these changes as a positive step forward. With greater emphasis on how our work will be delivered rather than just cost, the Act is creating a more level playing field for those that prioritise best practice.

Raising the bar

Within the past few months, we have already started to see the impact of the Act. One of the most noticeable changes has been the increased focus on Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality (HSEQ) scoring as well as social value. This is a significant shift which should eliminate the ‘race to the bottom’ and allow much fairer comparisons when selecting suppliers.

We have seen a clear rise in quality scoring based on methodologies and proven experience, something which we fully support. Every demolition project is unique, demanding specialist skills and ways of working. It is encouraging to see the tendering process now reflect these requirements, recognising contractors that continually invest in raising their standards.

Demonstrating and recording social value is now a key part of the evaluation. In demolition, this is particularly important. Given the nature of our work, early and proactive engagement with local communities is essential. This not only helps minimise disruption but also identifies opportunities to create benefits that extend beyond our projects.

At Freeley, our long-standing commitment to delivering social value is central to how we operate. We collaborate closely with key stakeholders and local communities to develop initiatives that address local needs and help build economic resilience. To support this, we have implemented a system, supported by the Social Value Portal, that enables us to accurately measure, record, and evidence our social impact.

With an increasing emphasis on social value in tender processes, there is also the opportunity to foster stronger collaboration across the supply chain. New partnerships could unlock more positive outcomes for the communities in which we work.

A note of caution

The Act has maintained an open procedure, which creates a single-stage process for simpler procurements. This may encourage smaller firms and new entrants to tender for certain contracts. However, this process can be risky in the demolition industry where our services are far from straightforward. 

All demolition projects come with complex risks and requirements, which need to be reflected in the procurement process. It is essential that all contractors bidding for demolition work are properly evaluated for competence, quality and safety. We have seen some local authorities award complex demolition projects to skip-hire companies or scrap recycling firms because they submitted the lowest price. These decisions create significant risks for both the client and the public.

Although the Procurement Act should help to address this by enforcing more balanced evaluation criteria, the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC), is also playing a critical role in raising awareness. 

Its ‘Intelligent Demolition Planning’ seminar series is educating both the public and private sectors on the importance of choosing the right contractor.  Delivered in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), these free, national events provide guidance on how to procure and plan safe, compliant and successful demolition projects. 

Positive strides

Although it is still early days for the Procurement Act, it is certainly moving things in the right direction. The focus on higher standards, performance, and social value is a step forward for our industry as well as for public sector procurement.

The government deserves credit for driving these changes. Now, it is up to contracting authorities to follow through, ensuring evaluation processes genuinely reward quality, safety, and social impact, and demolition contractors committed to meeting the highest standards. 

Freeley Kicks off £12M Liscard Regeneration

Freeley has commenced a key demolition project marking the first step in the £12 million regeneration of Liscard in Wirral.

Following the demolition of a community centre and asbestos removal, the team is dismantling a former municipal building.  The clearance will unlock the site for new housing as part of Wirral Council’s ambitious plans to revitalise the town centre.

To minimise disruption to local residents and maintain the highest safety standards, Freeley is using low-noise, low-vibration machinery and implementing dust suppression measures. Sections of the building close to occupied properties are being dismantled floor-by-floor under sheeted scaffolding for additional protection.

The remainder of the structure will be mechanically demolished using high-reach excavators, while 20-tonne excavators will process and load the demolition arisings.

The project is also providing local employment opportunities, with one resident being hired on site as a full-time labourer / site operative after being out of employment since 2015. The position was filled in partnership with local charity Involve Northwest, which runs the ReachOut project. Commissioned by Wirral Council’s Economic Growth Service, ReachOut has been helping out of work Wirral residents find a job for almost 20 years.

Michael Freeley, Director at Freeley, commented: “We’re proud to be partnering with Wirral Council again to kickstart another significant regeneration project. As with all our work, the emphasis is on minimising disruption, ensuring the highest safety levels, promoting sustainability, and engaging with the local community.

“We’re committed to re-using and recycling as many materials as possible through careful on-site segregation of demolition arisings. In line with our social value commitments, we’re working with local subcontractors and suppliers, and have recruited locally, helping one individual to move out of long-term unemployment.”

Cllr Paul Stuart, Leader of Wirral Council, added: “There is a real sense of momentum in the regeneration taking place across the borough, and this is an early but significant milestone in the plans for Liscard, and one which will also lead to the provision of much needed and affordable housing.

“The council will be continuing to work closely with local stakeholders, including Dame Angela Eagle MP for Wallasey, local councillors, community representatives and local businesses to ensure the plans for the town continue to progress.

“Our contractor Freeley has successfully worked with the council before on major demolition works at Seacombe and New Ferry, and I am pleased to see they are once again committed to completing this project with the respect and consideration for the people living and working nearby.”

Scheduled to complete in August 2025, the project is Freeley’s third with Wirral Council. The team has recently completed the demolition of multiple buildings in New Ferry, including a former Co-op store and premises along New Chester Road. In 2024, Freeley demolished the north and south annexes situated either side of Wallasey town hall in Brighton Street.

Freeley Completes Multiple University Demolition Projects

Freeley has completed its second project for the University of Warwick, demolishing multiple buildings in the heart of a busy campus. 

After carrying out extensive preparatory works, including asbestos removal, we cleared several sites, followed by fencing and landscaping.

The most complex part of the project was the demolition of the Graduate Studies building, located in the heart of the Westwood campus and attached to an operational property that was retained. Carefully controlled manual and mechanical demolition was essential to ensure the safety and integrity of the remaining structure.

As part of the works, we also installed a new emergency staircase with emergency lighting for the retained property and carried out remedial work on its façade.

Michael Freeley, Director at Freeley, said: “This project demonstrates our ability to deliver complex demolition in a live, constrained environment while maintaining the highest safety standards and minimising disruption.

“Working within a busy university campus required careful planning, particularly when demolishing a structure attached to a live building. Controlling dust, noise, and vibrations was paramount to minimise disturbance for students and staff.”

The project also saw Freeley demolish two empty residential properties near the university’s Westwood campus.