Scape Group, a public sector-owned built environment specialist, launched the £1.5bn framework earlier this year, with the aim of offering a comprehensive civil engineering and infrastructure project solution for all public sector bodies.

Mark Farrah, Regional Managing Director (North) at Balfour Beatty, said: “It is great that there has been so much interest in the framework and there have been enquiries from across the UK.

From the initial enquiries, the majority of local authorities who have expressed interest in the framework are in the north of the UK, with 72% from local authorities in Scotland, North East and North West.

The type of enquiry so far represents the wide range of projects the framework is intended to deliver, including flood defences, solar farms, bridges and highways.

Mark Robinson, CEO at Scape Group, said: “To see the framework hit the ground running is incredibly exciting to watch and what’s been most encouraging of all is seeing a flood of existing customers get in touch.

“The interest shown by regions particularly in the north gives further credibility to the emerging concept of a northern powerhouse. Just like it has for London, infrastructure can be the catalyst for growth across the UK.

“The combination of our tried and tested formula and Balfour Beatty’s high quality delivery programme has created an appealing proposition.

“With this strong start, we believe the next four years will prove to be a very exciting time for the framework and its clients.”