CHIC Merchants Framework [1] 2026-34

Descriptions

CHIC, acting on behalf of its Members (and others in other Consortia or as individuals who become CHIC Members over time) is procuring a Framework for supply, delivery of building materials which may include but not limited to those used for: plumbing and heating, retrofitting, painting and decorating, ironmongery, timber, flooring, glazing, roofing general building, retrofitting, electrical products, painting and decorating, including distribution, with the options to provide managed stores, van stock and tools & plant hire.

Engagement

The merchants and material supply sector has faced disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic and increased UK import costs, leading to raw material price hikes and market volatility. The merchant market has evolved in recent years through mergers and consolidations, reducing the number of merchants but strengthening some specialised solutions. CHIC and EN have therefore started to shape a new merchants framework to be procured later this year and to be fully operational from 2026. We wanted to consult out stakeholders to test whether the lot structure of the framework and the procurement process are reflective of current needs and expectations. We therefore hosted two roundtable market consultation events during 2024: • Rotherham – Tuesday 11th June • Milton Keynes – Thursday 13th June These were attended by a range of consortia stakeholders, including: • Members • National merchants • Regional / Local merchants • Materials manufacturers • Distributors or other suppliers After a summary of the utilisation of the current framework, there was a briefing of forthcoming changes arising from the Procurement Act 2023, which became operational in February 2025. Delegates were asked to consider and advise on a range of specific questions. The context will be a single framework, procured by CHIC for its own members and those of EN, where framework support – the consortia managed services – is a combined service.