The four-year NEUPC minor works framework can be accessed by five of the region’s leading higher education institutions at Newcastle, Durham, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside Universities.

It will be used for minor building works, comprising of small building installations, refurbishments, repairs, maintenance and improvements on premises.

NEUPC is one of six UK higher education purchasing consortia established to deliver and manage a wide range of collaborative framework agreements within the education sector.

Mark Gardham, Interserve Construction’s regional director, said: “Whatever the size or nature of the project we remain fully committed to create employment and skills opportunities across the region, investing in local people and growing our local supply chain.”