Dorset County Council signs Partnership with Dome Design Engineers
Dorset County Council has set up an agreement with Buro Happold consulting engineers as part of a pioneering partnership between public and private sectors. The Council's own designers, Dorset Engineering Consultancy, will work closely with Buro Happold to provide engineering design services, not only within Dorset but elsewhere.
One of the main advantages will be that both organisations will save money on the often costly process of tendering for work. The scheme could see engineers from Dorset CC working on some of the country's leading construction projects. Buro Happold is recognised world-wide for its engineering design of the Millennium Dome, as well as many other high profile building projects.
Mike White, Dorset's Head of Highways and Transportation, said:
“This arrangement should demonstrate that private companies can add value to Council services without taking them over. The new approach is just the sort of idea that the Government is keen for councils to introduce, to meet our obligations to deliver 'best value' services to local people.”
Michael Winter, Dorset Engineering Consultancy's Manager said:
“Organisations tend to run well if there is a steady flow of work. This partnership will allow us to seek help from Buro Happold when we have peaks and to do work for them when we have troughs. It should improve our efficiency, and this can only be good for the people of Dorset.”
Buro Happold Partner, Terry Ealey is delighted that Dorset County Council is willing to try a new approach to providing design services. He said:
“We have worked in partnership with the British Airports Authority for a number of years and the good relationship that has developed through this partnership has led to us reducing our charges. We are sure there will be similar benefits to working closely with Dorset County Council. We are particularly looking forward to an exchange of skills and experience with Dorset's engineers.”
The partnership arrangements will be monitored by the Government's own consultants and regularly reviewed by County Councillors. The partnership has also attracted the interest of Construction Minister, Beverley Hughes MP, who has asked to be kept informed of progress in this new approach to providing local services.
ENDS
Dorset Engineering Consultancy
Dorset Engineering Consultancy (DEC) is part of the Highways and Transportation unit which provides the professional civil and structural engineering, street lighting and transportation services necessary to enable the highway network in Dorset to be maintained and improved
