Eleven firms now face a fight to retain their place on the pretendered panel for projects valued between £2m and £9m.

These include: BAM, Conlon, Galliford Try, ISG, Keepmoat, Kier, Laing O’Rourke, Seddon, Vinci, Wates and Willmott Dixon.

The NWCH will sound out contractors about the latest procurement plan at soft market testing days on 12 February at the Solaris Centre in Blackpool, and 27 February in Manchester, where the venue is still to be announced.

A spokesman said: “We would like to involve contractors in how to take the next frameworks forward, making them future-proof and attractive to clients and contractors, discuss achievements to date and thoughts and ideas on market conditions, for example.

“This is open to all main contractor construction companies who wish share their knowledge and experience and who may bid for the new framework.”

The new framework is due to come into force in October 2019.

North West Construction Hub is also presently retendering its high-value project framework promising a £1.5bn work pipeline.

Since its establishment in 2009, the NWCH has delivered 356 projects for 101 clients, worth more than £1.75bn. Projects have been completed across Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, and Cheshire through the framework.

To book a slot for 12 or 27 February email: NWCH for further information.