14 specialist consultants have been appointed to help a Cumbrian council deliver its capital projects.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet approved the new Professional Services Framework for 2026–2030, expected to go live from August 1.
The authority said: “The framework will provide streamlined access to professional consultancy services to support the development and delivery of a wide range of projects, including highways and infrastructure improvements, school and corporate estate upgrades, new build developments and regeneration schemes.”
It added that over 40 organisations submitted bids and they were evaluated on capability, capacity, performance management, and their commitment to social value and environmental sustainability.
Of the successful consultants, 36% are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with around 50% based in Cumbria and others in Greater Manchester and the North East.
The following firms have been awarded the contracts:
- Align Property Partners Limited
- AtkinsRéalis UK Limited
- Bellrock Advisory LLP
- Howarth Litchfield Partnership Limited
- Norr Consultants Limited
- Tetra Tech Limited
- Turner & Townsend Project Management Limited
- AECOM Limited
- Baker Hicks Limited
- Jacobs U.K. Limited
- Mott MacDonald Limited
- Pell Frischmann Consultants Limited
- Wilde Consultants Limited
- WSP UK Limited
The framework has an estimated value of up to £12 million over its four year term.
It will support activity including:
- Highways, bridges and drainage improvements
- Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) schemes
- Decarbonisation projects such as heat pumps and solar PV installations
- Mechanical and electrical design for council buildings and schools
- Architectural design and project delivery for property new builds and extensions
- Programme and project management services
An emphasis has been placed on social value and climate action, the authority said.
A Westmorland and Furness Council spokesman said: “This new Professional Services Framework ensures we have the right expertise in place to deliver vital infrastructure and improvement projects across Westmorland and Furness over the next four years.
“It will help us deliver high quality schools, safer and more efficient highways, improved public buildings and ambitious regeneration schemes that benefit our communities.
“We are particularly pleased to see strong representation from local and regional businesses, including SMEs, alongside clear commitments to social value and reducing carbon emissions.
“This framework will not only support the delivery of our capital programme, but also ensure that wider benefits are realised for residents, local communities and the environment.”
Contract agreements are now being finalised with the appointed consultants, enabling the framework to become operational from August 2026.
