100th contract signed under Perfect Circle-led Built Environment Consultancy Services framework

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is the latest organisation to award a contract under the framework. DVSA, which has a significant number of assets across the country, is working with Perfect Circle to harness the benefits of the wide-ranging BECS framework offer, both in terms of breadth of services and the extensive local supply chain.

Scape Group is a public-sector organisation, dedicated to creating ongoing efficiency and social value via the built environment. Perfect Circle – a joint venture between Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM – has been appointed by Scape to deliver the broadest range of consultancy services available to the public sector, via the BECS framework.

The DVSA is an executive agency of the UK Department for Transport, responsible for monitoring and testing driver and vehicle safety. Activities range from driving tests to roadside vehicle checks. In the initial commission, Perfect Circle will support DVSA to develop a strategy to ensure its extensive assets across the UK are best suited to the future demands of the Agency. The programme of works is expected to encompass a backlog of essential maintenance, repair works and facilities upgrades.

Other projects under the framework are being delivered for clients including the London Borough of Lewisham, the University of Edinburgh and the City of London Corporation. Of the 14 projects delivered so far, all have been delivered on time and to budget. Local resources are used where possible and 41% of the work is delivered by workers within 20 miles of the client’s offices. Student engagement is another key performance indicator and to date there has been over 5,500 hours spent on lectures and work experience with schools, colleges and universities, in relation to projects delivered through the BECS framework. The projects have created 72 new jobs and 54 apprentices have worked on the commissions.

Mark Robinson, Scape Group Chief Executive, commented: “Our clients strive to deliver high quality services and facilities for the public, but in these austere times it is vital that each built environment project is not only delivered on time and to budget, but also achieves maximum social value, for example by delivering work experience placements, educational opportunities for students and new jobs. This latest milestone project goes to show the BECS framework has quickly turned into a vital tool for the public sector which not only delivers a high quality, reliable service, but real benefits for local communities.”

The services available under the BECS framework include, but are not limited to: project management, quantity surveying, building surveying, commercial surveying, architecture and design services, civil and structural engineering, highways consultancy and engineering services and strategic asset management.

The framework went live in October last year and will be delivered over a four year period.