All-Age Drugs and Alcohol Service

Cheshire East Council has awarded a contract for the provision of an All-Age Drugs and Alcohol Service to Change, Grow, Live Services Ltd. The procurement process was conducted under the Provider Selection Regime, specifically following Direct Award Process C as per the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. This service falls within the classification of rehabilitation services. The contract was formally awarded on 31st March 2025, and it is set to commence on 1st April 2025, running until 31st March 2030, with options for two 12-month extensions.

The contract value is estimated to be £22,521,479.25, excluding VAT, with the potential to increase to £27,689,625.67, contingent upon additional grant funding. The procurement method employed was limited, as this process fell outside the typical directive scope. This contract presents critical opportunities for businesses engaged in providing rehabilitation and healthcare services, particularly those capable of delivering innovative, sustainable, and value-driven solutions.

Companies specialising in health services, prevention programmes, or early intervention initiatives would be well-suited to engage in similar future opportunities. It also emphasises the significance of integrating services and reducing health inequalities, traits that are increasingly valued in public procurement exercises. Furthermore, the value of social benefits in procurement bids suggests an advantageous scope for businesses focusing on social value creation alongside traditional service delivery.

Despite the limited nature of this procurement, awareness of such directives and exceptions can also provide strategic insights for anticipatory business growth in the public health sector.