The lots have been broken up into a series of minor and intermediate works panels, which together could represent a spend of up to £370m over four years.

Incumbent contractors Kier, Wates and Willmott Dixon will now have to fight it out to retain their positions as the local authority controlled body tests the market again for jobs worth between £2m and £6.5m.

Firms like Mansell, G F Tomlinson, Morgan Sindall and Ashe will also be fighting to retain places on the minor works elements, covering work from £50,000 to £2m.

A series of meet the buyers morning events are planned across the midlands in mid April

• 9 April at the Henry Ford College at Loughborough University
• 10 April in the Talbot Suite at Rufford Mill
• 15 April at Dunchurch Park Hotel

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The lean procurement body is wholly owned by Derby City, Derbyshire County,  Gateshead, Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire County and Warwickshire County Councils.

Scape is also in discussion with six firms for the prized sole place on the £1bn national major projects framework. This is presently held by Willmott Dixon and covers new build and refurbishment jobs for local authorities across the country.

The firms in the race are: Bouygues, Interserve, Laing O’Rourke, Lend Lease, Morgan Sindall and Willmott Dixon