I'm looking for a frame for a mate that he can use for commuting, touring with pannier mounts and proper mtb duties but don't really know what frames to be looking out for.

All the components will be taken from his full suss. Forks are talas 95 – 125mm so can be adjusted depending on what he's doing.

Any frame recommendations? cheaper the better.

I've been looking at P7's but think they may be a little pricey.

On One Inbred or a 456

or buy a 2nd hand low-end specialized frame or something, maybe one of the 'own brand' ones will be cheaper such as carrera or pinnacle as they often have mounts.