Birmingham – the UK’s second-largest city – is in the midst of a construction surge. Its strategic location within the UK construction sector makes it a prime hub for companies seeking to expand their business and tap into regional opportunities. From HS2 infrastructure works to a skyline reshaped by commercial and residential high-rises, the region offers a wealth of opportunity for construction firms ready to compete. Forecasts predicted a 10% local construction sector growth heading into 2024, even amid wider economic challenges.
This means one thing: for construction contractors and suppliers, Birmingham is a hotbed of procurement activity and new work. The latest construction projects across the city present significant business opportunities for those looking to secure contracts and grow within the UK construction market. Whether you’re targeting public-sector infrastructure or private developments, knowing where to find the right tenders – and how to win them – is critical.
Discover Birmingham’s top construction tenders — start your free Tracker trial today.
| Title | Description | Awarding Authority | Value | Preview |
|---|
A construction tender is a formal invitation to bid for a project. In the context of the industry, this means an opportunity to submit a proposal for a construction project. Public bodies (such as Birmingham City Council or HS2 Ltd) release these to invite proposals from qualified suppliers to deliver specified works. The tender process is competitive and structured, with strict deadlines and requirements.
When preparing a tender response, it is essential to gather all relevant information and data about the construction project. This includes detailed project information, procurement data, and any supporting documentation needed to submit a competitive bid.
Public tenders are typically listed on:
Tracker: consolidates opportunities from all major portals, allowing users to set custom alerts and save time.
Most platforms let you use keywords to refine your job searches and save multiple searches for quick access to relevant opportunities. Creating a profile allows you to receive tailored tender alerts based on your preferences. You will usually need to register on these platforms to access full tender details and receive updates.
Once a suitable opportunity is identified, contractors should:
Download the tender documentation (or ITT pack).
Carefully review requirements, timescales, and evaluation criteria.
Prepare a compliant bid with pricing, a detailed project plan, case studies, certifications, and social value proposals. Be sure to provide all required information and documents as specified in the tender instructions.
sign up to get alerts on new construction opportunities in Birmingham.
Construction procurement in Birmingham is diverse, with a large number of construction tenders and contracts available across the region. Here are some common formats:
Open tendering: Anyone can submit a bid. You can source these tenders from various platforms, including government portals and industry-specific websites.
Selective tendering: Only invited companies can bid, often based on previous experience or a proven track record.
Negotiated contracts: The client negotiates directly with one or more contractors.
When bidding for contracts, it is important to showcase your products and demonstrate how they meet the specific requirements of each project.
· Open Tenders: Anyone can bid. Common for straightforward works.
· Restricted Tenders: Two-stage process. Shortlisted firms are invited to bid.
· Framework Agreements: Long-term contracts used for recurring work (e.g. schools or roadworks).
· Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS): Electronic panels suppliers can join anytime and compete for call-offs.
· Private Tenders: Usually invitation-only via developers or consultants.
· JCT Contracts: Widely used for building works. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
· NEC Contracts: Favoured for infrastructure. Collaborative, flexible, risk-sharing.
· ICE, PPC2000, and PFI/PPP Agreements: Used in specific contexts like civil engineering or long-term partnerships.
Understanding the contract type is vital. A JCT Design & Build contract places design risk on the contractor, while NEC Option C allows for cost sharing. Always assess the contract during bid preparation.
Learn about different contract types to tailor your bid — explore our resources.
Tracker simplifies how construction firms access opportunities:
Smart Tender Search: One platform for public and private construction tenders across Birmingham and beyond, with thousands of tenders added or updated each day.
Custom Alerts: Receive notifications on newly published opportunities based on sector, value, and geography, giving you a competitive advantage.
Early Engagement: Get ahead of published tenders using pre-tender intelligence like planning approvals and budget insights, supported by Tracker’s extensive experience in the construction tender market.
Market Analytics: Benchmark competitors, analyse contract awards, and spot buyer trends using up-to-date data and monthly reports for detailed market insights.
Bid Collaboration Tools: Save tenders, assign tasks, track deadlines, and coordinate responses across teams, making it easier for professionals working in the construction industry to stay organised.
Tracker is more than a search tool – it’s a strategic partner giving you the benefit of industry-leading experience, helping you act on opportunities early and bid more effectively.
Tailor Every Bid: It is important to dedicate time to preparing a strong tender response, especially when bidding for construction work. Reference the local context, site constraints, or Birmingham’s planning policies.
Be 100% Compliant: Follow every instruction in the ITT. Use a compliance checklist.
Demonstrate Local Impact: Birmingham buyers value social value. Highlight local jobs, apprenticeships, or supply chains.
Be Price-Smart: Offer competitive but realistic pricing for construction work. Emphasise how your approach helps clients save money while still delivering value.
Mitigate Risks: Present risk management strategies tailored to urban construction (e.g. congestion, utilities).
Invest in Feedback: Learn from unsuccessful bids and use feedback to sharpen future submissions.
Birmingham’s construction activity is concentrated across:
The city’s dynamic market is shaped by ongoing developments in commercial, residential, and infrastructure sectors. Knowing the date of project updates or completions is crucial for staying informed about the latest opportunities and trends in these sectors.
Tracker provides detailed market intelligence to help you stay ahead in Birmingham’s construction industry.
· 3,180+ new homes completed in 2024
· 7,743 homes under construction as of early 2025
· Landmark projects: One Eastside (667 flats, 51-storeys)
· Colmore Gate and Typhoo Tea Factory refurbishments
· Mixed-use city centre schemes gaining traction
· HS2 Curzon Street Station (£570m)
· Metro Extensions (£137m+)
· Camp Hill Line station upgrades
· Peddimore Park: £30m+ infrastructure investment
· Phoenix 10 site in Walsall (£100m)
· New schools, hospitals, and council facilities
· Retrofit and refurbishment of civic buildings
Staying informed on these projects – especially pre-tender – can help you align capabilities with future demand.
Stay ahead of Birmingham’s biggest construction projects with Tracker’s market intelligence.
· Competition is High: Less than 30% of bids win. Differentiate through tailored responses and strong delivery plans.
· Compliance Pitfalls: Missing documents, incorrect formatting, or failure to meet criteria leads to rejection.
· Short Deadlines: Public tenders often have tight turnaround times.
· Social Value Complexity: Bidders must evidence tangible community benefits.
· Urban Constraints: Logistical challenges in city centre builds (e.g. congestion, site access).
Overcoming These Issues
· Use Tracker’s Contract Reminders.
· Use Tracker’s Contact Decision Makers to build relationships early.
Overcome bidding challenges with expert support — contact Tracker Intelligence today.
With billions in construction investment flowing through Birmingham, the opportunity is vast – but only for those who can identify, prepare for, and act on tenders effectively. That means: – Knowing where to look – Tailoring your bids to stand out – Leveraging tools like Tracker to stay ahead
