Mears has signed a new deal with the Highland Council which will see millions of pounds saved over the lifetime of the Private Public Partnership (PPP) Highland Schools Project.

The company entered into a 30-year contract with Alpha Schools (Highlands) and the council to carry out Total Facilities Management services on 10 new schools which were opened in 2007.

The new targeted cost reduction measures will deliver substantial savings for the council, without comprising the work being delivered by Mears.

Overall, the agreement ensures the continued satisfactory operation and maintenance of each site, along with additional agreements which the council's financial risk in any given year.

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Tony Smith, Mears Managing Director of Facilities Management, said: "We are delighted that our excellent working relationship with The Highland Council has enabled us to identify improvements and deliver further savings for the partnership. We understand the financial pressures local authorities are under and we work hard to deliver innovative services.

"Our Highland Schools contract challenges our team to deliver a comprehensive service, incorporating highly specialist works, in an environment which demands the highest safety and compliance standards."

Brian Porter, Head of Resources for Care and Learning for the council, said: "The improvements and cost savings in this new deal are significant and are the results of our close working partnership with Mears and Alpha Schools (Highlands). To date, Mears has delivered excellent services for us that are both safe and innovative – we view them not as a contractor, but as a long-term business partner and stakeholder."

(LM)