Report from Southern Construction Framework reveals £218m SME boost from public construction pipeline

A new report from Southern Construction Framework (SCF) reveals public sector construction projects in the South of England have enabled over £218 million of SME spending, highlighting the growing role of structured procurement frameworks in unlocking regional supply chain growth.

SCF’s newly released Social Value Report 2026, details the social value of its projects over the course of 2025. The report comes as the government recently set out new, increased targets for SME spending, committing to ensuring they have a fair opportunity to win public contracts. 

SCF reports strong engagement with SMEs at 66%, and with 649 social enterprises registered on the SCF subcontractor portal, fuelling regional businesses and supply chains with work.

In one case, £31.9 million (83%) of the contract spend of Brixton House was awarded to SME organisations. A joint venture with Transport for London (TFL) established a Skills Hub to support local residents aspiring to join the construction industry.

The initiative engaged 2,000 residents, provided PPE, organised site tours, offered mentorship, and hosted bi-weekly training sessions. Fourteen apprenticeships and six full-time job opportunities were created, with 85% filled by Lambeth residents.

Beyond procurement, the report presents how SCF delivers on wider social value, supporting the development of local skills and employment; and safeguarding the environment. 

As part of SCF’s projects, it: 

• Held 4,368 training weeks, 
• Hosted 270 career events, 
• Hosted 121 apprentices on site, and 276 placements, 
• Created 246 jobs, with 123 qualifications achieved, 
• Carried out 1,321 hours of Green Skills training. 

Adrienne Turner, Framework Manager at SCF says, “Each project is an opportunity to leave a positive legacy. Whether that’s supporting local people into employment or strengthening community resilience, our aim is to ensure that the benefits are felt long after the project is complete.”

Gabby Stevens, Framework Manager at SCF, says, “Working in partnership with our contractors, clients and communities is at the heart of everything we do. Early contractor involvement, enabled through two-stage procurement, allows projects to be shaped in a way that maximises benefit for local people and supply chains.”

You can read the full report here: https://southernconstructionframework.gov.uk/scf-contractor-apprenticeships/