This collaboration aims to inject vital procurement expertise and capacity into the UK’s retrofit sector, accelerating progress towards a faster, fairer, and more effective delivery model.

Procurement is widely acknowledged as a critical, yet often underutilised, lever in advancing retrofit initiatives. The NRH’s State of the Nation Review underscored this point, identifying outdated and fragmented procurement processes as a major obstacle to achieving the scale and quality of retrofit necessary for the UK’s housing stock.

The partnership with LHCPG represents a significant shift in approach.

Founded in 1966 to raise the standard of social housing, LHCPG has grown into a national not-for-profit body managing over £1 billion in public sector frameworks. With a strong focus on local impact and community reinvestment, the organisation pairs deep procurement knowledge with a values-led delivery model.

In 2025, LHCPG launched its Retrofit and Decarbonisation Framework (N9), designed to support local authorities, housing associations, and public sector bodies in improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The framework promotes collaboration and compliance, while also ensuring access to reliable suppliers and actively encouraging SME participation.

The partnership between NRH and LHCPG is grounded in shared goals:

• Enhancing the quality and consistency of retrofit delivery
• Embedding social value into procurement and project delivery
• Scaling up local delivery efforts
• Broadening access for SMEs and diversifying supply chains

A key focus of the partnership is expanding opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). LHCPG offers tailored support to help SMEs navigate the complexities of public procurement, strengthening their capabilities to participate in and benefit from retrofit projects. This inclusive approach aligns closely with the NRH’s mission to develop a retrofit market that serves all stakeholders.

Procurement challenges — from embedding social value and scaling local delivery to upskilling suppliers — continue to surface across the NRH network. By joining forces, NRH and LHCPG will develop practical, scalable solutions, with LHCPG’s procurement expertise directly contributing to NRH working groups and broader initiatives.

Sara Edmonds, co-director of the National Retrofit Hub, said: “Procurement has the power to shape the retrofit market. It influences what gets delivered, who delivers it, and how fairly and effectively it’s done. This partnership with LHCPG strengthens our ability to co-create practical, scalable solutions that unlock capacity, raise standards and embed long term value. We’re thrilled to have them on board.”

Clive Feeney, group CEO at LHCPG, added: “Unlocking retrofit at scale demands procurement that’s fit for purpose. At LHCPG, we’re proud to bring practical solutions and a purpose-driven approach to this partnership with the National Retrofit Hub. Together, we can create opportunities for SMEs, support local communities and deliver real social value through retrofit.”