Two new 8-year frameworks are planned for the sector, one covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland and another Scotland.

The frameworks will operate under a parallel lotting structure offering a choice of two contractors in the areas to deliver civil engineering and construction works.

In Scotland, bidding firms will need to have a turnover of more than £100m with the winning pair potentially sharing a work pipeline of £1bn.

Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland qualifying firms will need to have revenue of more than £250m and could share a work pipeline of £3bn.

The frameworks are designed to cover a host of works covering gas and heat, electricity, water, nuclear, ports, airports, and transport services where many frameworks already exist.

Firms have until 11 August to submit bids with successful firms picked in November for the new panels to go live in January.

For information on Scotland click here, or England, Wales and Northern Ireland click here.