Pair of programmes marks shift to longer-term approach by 47,000-home provider

Orbit has launched a major procurement programme worth an estimated £1.6bn.

The 47,000-home provider has invited expressions of interest through tender notices for two linked programmes, covering property investment, building safety and compliance services.

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Source: Shutterstock

The programmes are a shift in how Orbit, which manages homes across the Midlands, East and South of England, works with its suppliers, moving to longer-term partnerships.

“We’re looking for ambitious partners who want to build genuine long-term relationships and share our focus on quality and customer experience,” said Scott Rutherford, Chief Property and Regeneration Officer at Orbit.

“By creating longer-term partnerships, we can give organisations the confidence to invest in their people, skills and supply chains, helping us deliver better outcomes for customers and communities.

“We welcome interest from organisations within social housing and beyond, including specialist providers with expertise in home safety and building remediation.”

The larger of the two programmes is valued at £1.4bn over 15 years, and will appoint a small number of dedicated regional partners to deliver planned improvements, building safety remediation, major projects and energy efficiency upgrades.

It will be split into five regional lots covering Stratford and the South Midlands, Central and East Midlands, East Anglia, Erith and North Kent, and the South Coast.

A second scheme, worth £150m to £200m over 10 years, will appoint specialist compliance firms to deliver home safety services, including fire, asbestos, electrical, water and lifts and lifting equipment.

It is divided into three regional lots covering Orbit’s homes across the Midlands, East of England and South.

Organisations have been invited to register their interest and complete a questionnaire by early September, after which Orbit will shortlist and invite bidders to tender, with the process expected to conclude next year and contracts to commence in April 2028.