Steeplejack and Roofing Surveys including Minor Repairs of Multi Storey Flats
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The real focus isn't just the surveys
When you look at this tender, it's easy to think that Leeds City Council is simply asking for surveys and minor repairs.
But that's not the whole picture.
What they really need is a partner who can ensure the safety and longevity of their multi-storey flats.
The contract covers 103 high-rise blocks, focusing on annual safety inspections and minor repairs. It involves roof surveys, hammer testing and handling a variety of materials from concrete to timber.
This isn't just about inspections.
It's about maintaining safety and trust.
Think about the residents
These are people's homes.
Flats where families live, children play and communities grow.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to see how you plan to minimise disruption.
How you communicate with residents.
And how you ensure their safety during these inspections and repairs.
What worries might residents have? Noise? Access? Safety?
Address these in your submission.
Don't just promise quality, prove it
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that bidders often promised high standards but didn't back them up.
Evidence always beats promises.
- Past project examples with similar heights and complexities
- Client testimonials highlighting reliability and safety
- Performance data showing consistent delivery on time and on budget
If you have evidence like this, make it central to your bid.
Pay attention to what they say
Leeds City Council is clear about safety and quality.
They expect detailed recording of the condition of all parts of the building's external fabric.
Not just a checklist.
This means being thorough in your approach.
Explain how you will identify and record conditions accurately.
And how you ensure nothing is missed.
Consistency is key over the whole term
Annual inspections mean this isn't a one-off.
It's about consistent delivery year after year.
How will you manage staff turnover?
What happens when someone calls in sick?
I'd want to see your plans for maintaining standards across the full contract term.
Include details on your recruitment, training and quality assurance processes.
Show how you'll ease the council's workload
Every contract creates work for the client.
The best contractors reduce that workload.
If I were writing this tender, I'd show how my processes make life easier for Leeds City Council.
How you streamline communication.
How you report findings clearly and concisely.
And how you handle any issues swiftly and effectively.
Understand the importance of specialist access
This isn't your average maintenance contract.
It requires steeplejack techniques and specialist access routes.
Describe your experience with these methods.
And how you ensure safety and efficiency in such challenging conditions.
This is what will set you apart from others who offer more generic solutions.
Remember, it's not just about price
The contract value is £1,200,000, but that doesn't mean they're looking for the cheapest option.
Value for money is key.
Show how your approach offers the best return on investment.
Highlight your efficiency, quality and the long-term benefits of your work.
That's what will resonate with the council.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Overlook the need for specialist access techniques
- Fail to provide evidence of past similar work
- Ignore the impact on residents and how you'll mitigate it
- Promise quality without backing it up with proof
- Underestimate the importance of clear, concise reporting
- Neglect to address how you'll manage consistency over the contract term
- Focus solely on price rather than value for money
My Final Thoughts
Leeds City Council needs a partner who can ensure the safety and quality of their high-rise flats.
This isn't just about inspections or minor repairs.
It's about maintaining homes and earning trust.
The contract is valued at £1,200,000, reflecting the importance of both the work and the responsibility.
Quality will likely carry significant weight, so your written submission needs to be strong.
Focus on evidence, resident impact and long-term value.
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.