Tender opportunity: Gateshead Borough Council seeks lift and hoist providers

BHTA members involved in mobility, accessibility, and independent living equipment are encouraged to review a new framework opportunity from Gateshead Borough Council for stairlifts, vertical and platform lifts, and ceiling hoists.

The council is seeking suitably qualified and experienced suppliers to provide the supply, installation, servicing, maintenance, removal, temporary storage, and relocation of lifts and hoists. The framework will support the safe, reliable, and timely provision of equipment and associated services for disabled residents, principally in domestic properties, as well as some council-owned public buildings.

Key details

• Notice reference: 2026/S 000-079953
• Value: £1,100,000 excluding VAT
• Duration: Two years from 6 April 2027 to 5 April 2029, with two optional 12-month extensions to 5 April 2031
• Estimated award decision date: 5 November 2026
• Procurement route: Open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023

Lots

The framework is divided into three lots.

Lot 1: Stairlifts – Covers the supply and installation of stairlifts in domestic properties, repairs and maintenance after warranty periods, and the removal, temporary storage, and relocation of equipment. Suppliers must hold at least 10 units for priority cases, including two of each stairlift type. The lot is valued at an estimated £879,499.28 excluding VAT.

Lot 2: Vertical and platform lifts – Covers the supply and installation of lifts in domestic properties, together with repairs and maintenance for existing equipment after warranty periods. The lot is valued at an estimated £105,250.40 excluding VAT.

Lot 3: Ceiling hoists – Covers the supply, installation, and maintenance of tracked ceiling hoists in domestic and other council-owned properties, together with removal, temporary storage, and relocation. Suppliers must hold at least 10 units for priority cases involving people with life-limiting conditions, including at least two of each hoist type. The lot is valued at an estimated £113,507.04 excluding VAT.

Across all three lots, equipment installed in domestic properties must include a minimum 12-month warranty covering an annual service in month 11, callouts, and repairs. Suppliers must demonstrate equipment following installation, when a property is re-let, or when further support is required; this includes explaining its operation and confirming that the customer can use it competently. Ceiling hoist demonstrations must also involve the customer’s carer or relative. Demonstrations for new installations and re-let properties must take place on the day the customer begins using the equipment, with access to further demonstrations available through a showroom or digital platform.

Framework and eligibility

This tender is suitable for SMEs with the capacity to provide the required equipment and associated services. The framework does not limit the number of suppliers. Call-offs may be awarded with or without further competition, and the maximum fee charged to suppliers is one percent.

Evaluation

Tenders will be evaluated on price at 50 percent, quality at 40 percent, and social value at 10 percent.

How to apply

Suppliers must submit tenders electronically through the Open Portal by 12pm on 18 September 2026. The full tender documents are available through the portal.

For enquiries, email procurement@gateshead.gov.uk.