Roadside Assistance & Vehicle Recovery & Associated Services
Framework Description
The East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub's Roadside Assistance & Vehicle Recovery & Associated Services framework provides 24/7 roadside assistance, minor repairs and recovery for NHS ambulance services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It has 30 regional and sub-regional lots, including a national lot, and thirteen appointed suppliers. It runs to 30 May 2028, with up to two 12-month extensions.
Context & Use Case
Ambulance trusts and NHS fleet operators use the framework to get breakdown cover for emergency vehicles, where every hour off the road reduces capacity. The regional lot structure lets a trust appoint a local specialist for its own area or a national provider for wider coverage. Call-offs are by direct award or further competition.
Scope of Services
24/7 roadside assistance Minor roadside repairs Vehicle recovery Associated support services for NHS fleets Regional, sub-regional and national lots across England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Lots
30 regional and sub-regional lots covering: East Midlands, East of England, Isle of Wight, London, North-East, Northern Ireland, North-West, South Central, South-East Coast, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire and a National lot
Who Can Apply
Suits AVRO-accredited roadside assistance and recovery operators that can meet ambulance service response times. Thirteen suppliers were appointed, with Nationwide Assistance Group awarded all lots. Applications for this framework are closed until it is re-tendered, likely between May 2028 and May 2030 depending on extensions.
Buyer Benefits
Ambulances off the road mean fewer crews available, so trusts value guaranteed response times and accredited recovery operators. Regional lots let them use providers who know local roads and depots, while a national option suits trusts with wider fleets that cross several regions.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should agree response time reporting with trusts and be ready for further competitions. Others should watch the hub's framework page at eoecph.nhs.uk for the re-tender, keep AVRO membership and PAS 43 accreditation current, and build evidence of response performance for emergency or fleet clients in their region.
How Athena Can Help
Regional recovery operators can compete with national providers when their bids show local strength. Athena's win theme development helps you show response times, coverage and vehicle handling in a way that scores.
Our framework tender preparation gets you ready for the re-tender, choosing the regional lots you can serve, and our fleet services tender support helps you win council and blue light recovery contracts let outside frameworks, with pricing that covers 24/7 cover and still makes a margin.
