In total 28 firms secured places on the national framework estimated to offer a £10bn pipeline over six years.

The trio of contractors were most successful in the race, scooping all three value lots in six of seven regions.

Willmott Dixon and Vinci Construction also secured a large proportion of geographies available across each lot.

Newcomers to the framework, which comes into force from April this year, include Ashe Construction, Bowmer + Kirkland, Kier and Wates Construction.

Smaller to medium-sized contractors: AMCM Group, GF Tomlinson, Henry Brothers (Midlands) and Wildgoose Construction also secured work in the smaller £5m – £15m project value category.

Jason Stapley, managing director at Pagabo, said: “The first iteration of the Major Works Framework has seen double-digit growth year on year, since its inception in 2016.

“In 2019 alone, we’ve delivered £833m worth of construction projects for the public sector up and down the country.”

In addition to core contractors, three reserve contractors have been named to supplement the procurement process in each lot and region.

Stapley added: “We believe the framework’s success is down to our customer-focused approach; we’ve made it our mission to simplify the commissioning process with technology and innovation, we place social value at the heart of everything we do and ensure full flexibility, OJEU compliance and greater choice for everyone wanting to use the framework.

“Contractors have recognised this and clearly appreciate this forward-thinking approach. To date, we’ve delivered more than £2bn of social value across the country and we are investing more than £1m into technology.”