Blogs

The Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA) launched their new Retrofit & Decarbonisation (N9) Framework at their conference in Swansea City Stadium. The conference was held on Tuesday 8th April 2025 and was a full day event, packed with informative presentations and industry-relevant discussions. Between 9am and 3pm the Welsh team welcomed a record number of Clients, Appointed Companies, colleagues and industry specialists to the engaging conference, which heralded the new framework launch and featured industry thought-leadership, networking opportunities and insightful discussions surrounding the current net zero pledges, retrofit and decarbonisation future plans.  

Along with welcoming Clients spanning the entirety of Wales, WPA’s Appointed Companies who feature on the new framework also attended with many also exhibiting along with their teams. Whilst the Retrofit & Decarbonisation (N9) Appointed Companies received their official certificates at the conference, they’d also previously benefited from an online workshop held by WPA, in order to aid them in using the frameworks and how they can further support their Welsh Clients.  

The conference consisted of an impressively varied and full agenda. WPA’s Senior Client Manager, Andrew Hamar kicked the day off with an introduction to the Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA) and a warm welcome. This was followed by WPA’s previous Regional Director, Richard Hughes introducing the Retrofit & Decarbonisation (N9) Framework, along with the newly launched Efficiency & Renewable Technology DPS as well.  

Ibrar Mian, WPA’s Technical Manager gave an informative overview of the new framework and DPS, which both the Clients and Appointed Companies found incredibly useful. Guest speakers Andy Cameron-Smith, Sustainability Communications Specialist and Andrew Champ, Executive Director at SWIGA covered topics such as ‘Achieving Net Zero’ and  ‘Considerations for Compliant EWI Outcomes.’ 

LHCPG’s George Stevens presented on the all-important Social Value objectives and expectations from within the newly launched framework, along with Richard Hughes covering WPA’s Community Benefit Fund and the great work it has already achieved. Sarah Phillips from First Choice Housing Association spoke of her great experience working with WPA, along with Malcolm Davies, from the Housing Decarbonisation sector of the Welsh Government, who shed light on the Optimised Retrofit Programme. The day finished with the Appointed Companies being formally awarded with their certificates, joined by the WPA team.  

The day was a huge success, with 150 people in attendance. Great feedback was received as seen below, and all attendees found the agenda informative and interesting. Swansea City Stadium provided a fantastic venue with Clients from all across Wales travelling to attend and speak with the WPA team.

Along with speakers from the Welsh Government and industry leaders in decarbonisation, was the important emphasis on social value and how this will be a key theme implemented throughout the new Retrofit & Decarbonisation (N9) Framework. The day culminated in promoting new and current relationships with Clients, welcoming more Appointed Companies to WPA’s impressive roster, and ultimately an increase in project registrations as the new framework already proves popular with WPA’s Clients.