Alternatives & comparisons
Honest comparisons of SSIP accreditation schemes, tender platforms, and bid tools for UK cleaning and FM contractors. No affiliate fees. No sponsored placements.
How we compare
Every comparison here is built from the failure-pattern data we see in real Trustpilot reviews of the named provider, paired with verified pricing and turnaround figures from the source schemes. We name what each tool is good at and where it's a poor fit for a small UK cleaner. Take a side, do the maths, switch when the switch pays for itself.
What you won't find: affiliate links, sponsored placements, or "best of" listicles that rank every option as 8/10. If a tool isn't worth your money for a council cleaning bid, the page will say so.
- Bidding Strategy
Supply2Gov alternatives for UK cleaning and FM contractors
Supply2Gov republishes data that is legally required to be free, then locks you into recurring monthly billing for the privilege. Here's what UK cleaning SMEs should use instead.
27 Apr 2026 · 10 min read
- Compliance & SSIP
Constructionline alternatives for UK cleaning and FM contractors
Constructionline is the most expensive route into UK public-sector pre-qualification. For most cleaning and FM contracts under £5 million, CHAS Standard or SMAS Worksafe do the same job for a fraction of the cost.
27 Apr 2026 · 11 min read
FAQs
Quick answers about UK SSIP & tender alternatives
- For most small cleaning firms doing council and school work under £5 million, no. CHAS Standard from £429+VAT and SMAS Worksafe SSIP from £345 cover the same SSIP 15 Core Criteria and are accepted by the same buyers. Constructionline only earns its fee if your buyer explicitly demands it and refuses to accept a Deem to Satisfy passport, or if you're chasing high-value construction-adjacent work where the Common Assessment Standard tier is required under PPN 03/24.
- SMAS Worksafe SSIP at entry from £345, then CHAS Standard from £429+VAT for a sole trader (scaled by headcount). Both give the same SSIP umbrella recognition as Constructionline. SMAS aims to certify clean applications in 1 to 10 days. A Deem to Satisfy passport between member schemes typically costs a fraction of a full assessment and can clear in minutes.
- Yes, via Deem to Satisfy. You don't repeat the audit. You apply for a passport into the target scheme, pay an admin fee, and the new certificate inherits the expiry date of your existing one. Time the switchover so the new full assessment kicks in at your next natural renewal, and avoid early-cancellation rows with the old scheme by letting it lapse rather than fighting for a refund.
- For SSIP-recognition purposes, yes. Both sit under the SSIP umbrella and assess against the same 15 Core Criteria. Some council frameworks still write tender packs naming Constructionline by name. Send a clarification question asking whether the buyer will accept a Deem to Satisfy passport. Buyers must publish answers to every bidder, so you give nothing away by asking. Most accept passporting.