Highlands and Islands Enterprise awards Property Framework Contract

9th June 2013

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed four construction firms to its new prime contractor framework to deliver the majority of its building projects across the region.

In the agreement which will last up to four years, Galliford Try Construction Ltd (trading as Morrison Construction in Scotland), Kier Construction Ltd, Mansell Construction Services Limited, and Robertson Construction Group Limited will work on projects estimated to be worth around £6 million per year.

Carroll Buxton, Director of Regional Development at HIE commented: “We are delighted to have agreed a contract with these four highly skilled and respected companies, all of which have strong links to the area. This partnership framework approach provides flexibility for the businesses and healthy competition for us which will ensure best value for the public purse.”

HIE is now discussing a number of pipeline projects with the businesses and hopes to award the first projects under the framework later in 2013.

Galliford Try Construction Limited, and its Scottish business Morrison Construction, carries out housebuilding, construction and infrastructure work across the UK.

Chief Executive Greg Fitzgerald said: “We have a leading presence in the Scottish construction market and we look forward to working with HIE to deliver on its wide variety of projects.”

From their offices in Aberdeen, Kier is currently working across the region. Managing Director Brian McQuade said the framework provides Kier with an excellent opportunity to continue their relationship with local communities in delivering employment and training opportunities.

He commented: “Our knowledge and relationship with the local supply chain, combined with our national buying power will deliver best value supporting community benefits and development across the region.”

Mansell Construction Services Limited, which is a part of global group Balfour Beatty, prides itself on tailor-made, cost effective delivery.

North of Scotland Regional Managing Director, George Hood, said: “Our local team has an excellent track record in delivering challenging projects across the region, in some of the most remote locations, and with this experience and our innovative approach we will add tangible value both for HIE and these communities. ”

Originally set up in Elgin in 1966 Robertson is now one of the largest privately owned infrastructure and construction groups in Scotland. The business employs around 1100 people.

Frank Reid, Regional Managing Director for Robertson, said: “Robertson is delighted to be part of HIE's new framework. We have successfully delivered a number of projects for HIE in recent years and look forward to an ongoing association.”