Repairs & Maintenance Services (RMS) - Roofing and Associated Works 27/28 (CRN/2026/290)
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't Just Think About Roofing
Yes, this tender is about roofing. But it's not just about putting tiles on a roof.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is looking for a partner who can handle a range of tasks. From enabling works to chimney repairs, and even scaffolding.
It's a comprehensive package.
And RMS will be the Principal Contractor.
That's important because it means collaboration is key. They want someone who can integrate seamlessly with their team.
The Human Element
Think about the people living in those 134 properties.
This isn't just a construction project. It's about homes.
The council will want reassurance that your work won't disrupt residents' lives unnecessarily.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on how to minimise disruption. What plans do you have in place to communicate with residents? How will you handle unexpected issues?
What Most Bidders Will Write
Many will focus on their technical expertise.
And while that's important, it's not enough.
What they'll forget is the importance of reliability and trust.
I'd want to know how you plan to ensure smooth coordination with RMS. How will you manage the timetable? How do you handle unexpected delays?
Pay Attention to What They Say
The council is clear on one thing: RMS will be the Principal Contractor.
That tells me they want a contractor who can work within their framework.
They'll be looking for someone who can respect their processes and add value to the project.
Being adaptable and flexible will be crucial. That's what I'd highlight in my submission.
Evidence Always Beats Promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver an excellent service.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence, use it.
- Past projects of similar scope
- Testimonials from previous clients
- Metrics showing timely project completions
- Safety records
Managing the Whole Term
Consistency is the hardest thing to deliver.
And it's what the council will want to see.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for a plan that covers the entire project lifecycle. From mobilisation to completion.
How will you maintain standards throughout? What systems do you have in place for quality control?
Show How You'll Make Life Easier for RMS
This is something I think suppliers often overlook.
Every contract creates work for the client.
The best contractors reduce that workload.
I'd be explaining how my management processes make life easier for RMS. How do you streamline communication? What steps do you take to solve problems before they reach the council?
One Thing I'd Keep Reminding Myself
Remember, this isn't just about getting the work done.
It's about working in partnership with RMS.
So, I'd keep asking myself: "How does this help the council achieve its goals?"
Every answer should align with making RMS's role as Principal Contractor smoother and more effective.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on technical roofing skills
- Overlook the importance of integrating with RMS
- Ignore resident communication plans
- Lack evidence of past performance
- Fail to address project timeline management
- Don't offer solutions for unexpected delays
- Neglect quality control measures
- Assume the council will manage all coordination
My Final Thoughts
Stoke-on-Trent City Council isn't just buying roofing services. They're buying a partnership.
They want a contractor who can handle a complex project within a collaborative framework.
With the contract valued at £2,200,000, the council is investing in both the quality and reliability of the service.
That means demonstrating your ability to work seamlessly with RMS as the Principal Contractor will be just as important as your technical skills.
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.