New £7.4bn supply chain framework launched to support local businesses and regional growth

18 June 2026

  • Framework opportunity worth up to £7.4bn over the next eight years

  • Dedicated opportunity for civils projects up to £10m, split by region to maximise local opportunities

  • Designed to support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), local suppliers and to boost regional economic growth

  • Central to delivering SSEN Transmission’s £29 billion investment programme 

SSEN Transmission Beauly-Denny Power Lines with a flock of sheep

SSEN Transmission has launched a major new supply chain framework, creating significant opportunities for suppliers across the north of Scotland and beyond, with a strong focus on supporting local businesses and regional economies.

The multi-billion-pound framework will support the delivery of critical infrastructure projects as part of SSEN Transmission’s £29 billion investment programme to upgrade the electricity transmission network. This will help deliver clean, homegrown power to homes and businesses while supporting clean power and energy security ambitions.

Covering a broad range of onshore transmission works, including civils, building construction, overhead lines and underground cable installation, the framework is expected to enable up to £7.4bn of investment. This will support essential network upgrades and new connections needed for a secure, cleaner and more affordable energy system.

Paul Leddie, Director of Procurement and Commercial at SSEN Transmission, said:

“This framework represents another key step in building the strong, capable and resilient supply chain we need to deliver our investment plans at pace. It creates a broad range of opportunities across our programme and, through a dedicated regional pathway for civils works, opens the door for local businesses and smaller suppliers to play a direct role in delivering critical infrastructure across the north of Scotland.”

The framework is structured across six lots, aligning activities to contractor capability and project complexity, while enabling both regional participation and delivery at scale.

  • Lot 1 – Civils up to £10m (regional): enabling works and access infrastructure
  • Lot 2 – Civils over £10m (national): complex, multidisciplinary civils packages
  • Lot 3 – Buildings and infrastructure: design and construction of operational buildings
  • Lot 4 – Overhead line (OHL) pole construction: design and build of pole-based lines
  • Lot 5 – OHL tower construction: design and build of lattice tower lines
  • Lot 6 – Underground cable construction: design and installation of cable systems

A key feature is Lot 1, which has been designed to encourage greater participation from local suppliers and smaller businesses.

Unlike other lots, Lot 1 is split into regional zones, allowing contractors to bid for specific areas and helping ensure opportunities are accessible to locally based businesses across the north of Scotland.

These projects typically include standalone or enabling works such as access tracks, foundations, drainage, public road improvements, peatland restoration and environmental mitigation.

By structuring the framework in this way, SSEN Transmission aims to:

  • create more accessible entry points for SMEs and regional suppliers
  • support the growth of skilled local workforces
  • strengthen regional supply chains
  • maximise the economic benefits of investment within communities 

This approach reflects a wider commitment to delivering regional economic benefit and maximising local content, with procurement strategies focused on ensuring investment translates into tangible outcomes for local areas.

Supporting jobs, skills and economic growth

The framework forms part of SSEN Transmission’s wider investment programme, supporting jobs, skills and economic growth across the UK, particularly in Scotland.

By engaging early and working collaboratively with suppliers, SSEN Transmission is building long-term partnerships to deliver complex infrastructure while creating lasting community benefits.

This approach is underpinned by a more collaborative, forward-looking supply chain model, providing greater visibility of future work and enabling suppliers to invest with confidence.

Open to new and existing suppliers

The framework is open to both existing partners and new suppliers. SSEN Transmission encourages organisations of all sizes, particularly those based across Scotland, to explore the opportunity.

Suppliers can access the tender documents via the Jaggaer procurement portal until Thursday 16 July.

For more information, visit SSEN Transmission's supply chain webpage.