Lift Maintenance Richmond and Wandsworth Councils (Housing and Operational Buildings)
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The real focus isn't just on the lifts
When you see a contract for lift maintenance, it's easy to think about mechanics and parts.
But that's not what Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are really buying.
They're buying peace of mind for thousands of residents and staff every single day.
Yes, the contract is about maintaining lifts in housing and operational buildings across Richmond and Wandsworth. But the outcome is about safety, reliability and minimal disruption.
That's where your response should focus.
Think about the people who use the lifts
Every lift serves a purpose beyond just moving floors.
For many residents, especially the elderly or disabled, a working lift is a lifeline.
Operational buildings need lifts to function smoothly for staff and visitors.
So, when you're crafting your bid, think about these people.
How will you ensure they are not left stranded or inconvenienced?
Pay attention to what they say
The notice makes it clear that the councils are looking for a partner who values quality.
They've set a significant contract value of £18,859,000, which tells you they're investing heavily in this service.
They need a contractor who can deliver consistently over the long term.
With a potential duration up to 2036, they're not just looking for a quick fix.
They're looking for a commitment to excellence.
Most bids will focus on the technical side
And it's true — you need to demonstrate your technical expertise.
But don't stop there.
Many bidders will list their qualifications and experience.
Few will show how they can make life easier for the councils and residents.
Think about communication, responsiveness and how you'll handle emergencies.
That's what will set you apart.
Show how you'll make life easier for the councils
Every maintenance contract involves some level of disruption.
The best contractors minimise this.
If I were writing this tender, I'd be explaining how my team plans, schedules and communicates maintenance activities.
How will you ensure residents and staff are informed and disruptions are kept to a minimum?
Evidence is key
Evidence always beats promises.
The councils need to see proof that you can deliver what you claim.
If you've worked on similar contracts, show how you maintained uptime and managed issues.
Things like:
- Case studies from similar contracts
- Client testimonials
- Performance metrics
- Awards or accreditations
Maintaining standards over the long term
This contract could last up to nine years.
That's a long time to maintain consistency.
Think about staffing. Not just your engineers, but your support staff too.
How will you ensure they are trained, motivated and available throughout the contract term?
What happens if someone is unavailable?
Have a plan for recruitment and retention.
Consistent service is the hardest thing to deliver. Buyers know this.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Every decision in this tender should be guided by one question.
"How does this benefit the people using the lifts?"
It's easy to get lost in the technical details.
But remember, the councils are looking for a partner who cares about their residents and staff.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on technical capabilities without addressing user experience
- Fail to provide evidence of past performance
- Overlook the importance of communication and responsiveness
- Ignore the long-term nature of the contract
- Neglect a plan for staffing and training over the entire term
- Underestimate the importance of minimising disruption
- Miss the opportunity to showcase client testimonials or case studies
- Fail to address emergency response procedures
My Final Thoughts
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils aren't just looking for a lift maintenance provider.
They're looking for a partner who can ensure safety, reliability and minimal disruption over a long-term contract valued at £18,859,000.
With the possibility of extending up to 2036, your written submission needs to focus on quality and consistency.
Remember, quality will carry significant weight in the evaluation.
Make sure your proposal speaks to the real needs of the councils and their residents.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.