Well run green spaces lift satisfaction, protect assets and reduce risk. Poorly procured services do the opposite. We help public bodies and not for profits buy and manage grounds maintenance in a way that is compliant, auditable and delivers value for money across estates of any size. Every project is bespoke and delivered around your procurement and contract management needs.
What we fix
Many contracts fail for the same reasons. Specifications are vague, maps are out of date, visit frequencies do not match growth cycles, and pricing models blur accountability. TUPE data is incomplete, mobilisation is rushed and KPIs track activity rather than outcomes. Our job is to remove that noise so buyers and suppliers can focus on delivery.
A clean route to market
We start with an options appraisal that sets out your choices on route to market, lotting, term and risk. If a framework or DPS fits, we will use it. If you need a full tender to drive competition or bring local SMEs in, we will plan that. Under the Procurement Act, the competitive flexible procedure allows you to shape the process to your estate and risk profile. We design the steps and documentation so your evaluation, award and standstill run smoothly, with a full audit trail.
The right specification
Output based specs work best in grounds maintenance. They define what good looks like site by site, rather than counting cuts or hours. We translate your strategy into site standards, seasonal plans and measurement rules that are easy to inspect. Where input measures are needed, for example for sports pitches or cemeteries, we include them in a controlled way. Every spec is anchored to health and safety, safeguarding and environmental controls so there is no ambiguity at contract start.
Data that reduces price risk
Bidders price what they can see. We build a reliable data room. That includes site schedules grouped by typology, seasonal growth notes, access and constraints, local sensitivities, GIS maps or printable plans, and a service history that shows where standards are strong or weak. Better inputs mean fewer caveats and tighter pricing.
Commercials that align to service reality
You should not be paying day rates for litter picking or per cut for rough grass on a floodplain. We align the pricing model to your assets and risks, then lock down variation rules so spend does not drift. The table below shows typical choices that control cost and improve accountability.
| Scope item | Best fit measurement | Typical pricing model | What it controls |
| Amenity grass and verges | Output standard by site class, seasonality plan | Lump sum per site or per hectare with clear growth windows | Avoids over or under cutting and rewards consistent finish |
| Shrub beds and hedges | Output standard plus winter reductions | Lump sum with defined winter works, limited SOR for extras | Stops endless dayworks and shapes beds for long term |
| Litter, detritus and bins | Cleanliness grade at inspection | Lump sum with daily or weekly cadence and event uplift rules | Keeps areas presentable between cuts and after events |
| Invasive weeds and hard surfaces | Treatment windows and safe methods | Lump sum for planned treatments plus SOR for emergencies | Controls chemical use and reduces complaints |
| Tree stock and inspections | Risk based cycles and emergency response | Fixed price surveys, SOR for remedials with caps | Aligns safety with budget and keeps emergencies in check |
| Winter gritting and snow | Triggers, routes and response times | Standby plus call off rates, clear activation rules | Avoids unnecessary callouts and manages risk |
Social value, sustainability and biodiversity
Green contracts are central to your social value plan. We build deliverable commitments that match your places. Apprenticeships and local jobs, work placements with schools, pollinator friendly regimes, peat free planting, waste reduction and reuse, lower carbon machinery and sensible water use. Every promise is measurable and forms part of the core KPI pack rather than an add on.
DLO, outsourced or a mixed economy
Many organisations are revisiting delivery models. A well run DLO can give control and visible standards. Outsourced delivery can bring scale, innovation and investment. Many buyers choose a blended model that keeps resident facing duties in house and lets specialists take the rest. We will test the options with you, covering finance, HR, depots, equipment, digital tools and TUPE. If you decide to insource, we can help you build the DLO and mobilise safely. If you prefer to outsource, we will secure a contract that is sustainable for both parties.
TUPE, mobilisation and day one readiness
Grounds teams are people heavy and equipment dependent, so the mobilisation plan must be practical. We set weekly milestones for TUPE consultations, onboarding, uniforms, training, depot readiness, equipment supply, RAMS, route planning and resident communications. The first month’s inspection plan is written before contract start so day one effort targets the sites that need it most.
Contract management that actually manages
A good contract gives your managers the tools to keep standards high without drowning in admin. We set a simple rhythm. Monthly performance meetings that look at the trend, short weekly huddles to remove blockers, quality inspections that combine joint site walks with independent spot checks, and a single dashboard that boards can read. KPIs focus on outcomes such as pass rates at inspection, consistent standards across seasons, complaints closed right first time, carbon and waste performance and the delivery of social value. Payment mechanisms reward what matters and apply fair service credits where it does not.
Value for money reviews on live contracts
You do not always need to retender to fix performance. If a live contract is under strain, we can run a value for money review that sets a reset plan. This covers specification clarity, route efficiency, seasonal standards, equipment condition, skills and supervision, and the commercials that drive behaviours. We will agree corrective actions with the supplier and track delivery with you.
Typical deliverables
By the end of an engagement you will have a route to market plan with dates and owners, a complete bidder pack with clean site data and pricing schedules, evaluation tools that make scoring fair and fast, a mobilisation plan that is ready to run, and a contract management handbook your team can use.
Sectors we support
Local government setting borough wide standards across parks, highways and housing estates. Housing associations that need predictable estate services and happier residents. Education and campus environments that balance presentation with biodiversity. NHS and blue light estates that must manage risk and patient experience. Charities and trusts operating as contracting authorities who need compliant procedures and practical capacity.
If you work for a housing association and want deeper sector support, our dedicated team can help with wider estate services and DLO considerations. You can explore that here:Â https://thorntonandlowe.com/social-housing-consultancy-services/
Why buyers choose us
We live and breathe grounds maintenance procurement and contract management. You get senior category expertise, capacity when you need it and a process that meets the letter of the regulations without slowing delivery. Most importantly, the result is a service your residents, users and stakeholders can see on the ground.