Projects and PPP

One of the UK’s most highly-regarded and experienced projects and PPP teams, we offer pragmatic, commercial advice at all stages of the complex public-private partnership process.

Often highly sensitive and always complicated, successful public-private partnerships require deep technical knowledge and strong relationships. Having worked on more than 100 PPPs, we know what it takes to set up these partnerships effectively and how to step in to solve operational challenges on existing projects. 

Whether you need support with contracts, bids, transactions or payment mechanisms, benchmarking, market testing and variation, we can help.

We represent both public and private interests, from universities and government departments to companies, funders, trusts and investor developers. We have valuable cross-sector experience, specialising in education, defence, health, waste, transport, energy and detention.

Our experience

Here are just a handful of the successful PPP projects we have acted on:

  • We worked on both phases of the Morpheus Programme, a £multi-billion complex procurement by the Ministry of Defence to evolve and transform its Bowman battlefield and tactical communications system.

  • We supported Aviva Commercial Finance, acting on its £200million senior loan to University Partnerships Programme (UPP) for a student accommodation project at the University of Reading – the largest ever single private sector residential investment in a UK university.

  • We helped with the provision of over £300million of equipment, spares and repair services for the Queen Elizabeth class of aircraft carriers and Type 45 destroyers.

  • We have worked on NHS LIFT schemes, PFIs and other PPP structures to acute, community and primary care with a combined value of over £500million. We have acted for all sides, from NHS providers to independent sector and investors, and Aviva Commercial Finance. 

  • We supported GEOAmey on its successful bid for three prisoner escort and custody services contracts, worth £770million.

  • We acted for Uliving on its successful bid for a University of Gloucestershire’s student accommodation project. This involved developing a bond wrapped by IUK – a sector first.

Did you know?

£3.2billion

Advising the MOD on the Morpheus Programme, a £3.2billion procurement to develop its Bowman communications system.

1,500+ rooms

Supported the University of Exeter on two student accommodation projects with University Partnerships Programme to deliver 1,582 rooms.

£60million

Helped The Geo Group on its successful bids for Immigration Removal Centres.

What do others say?

 

“Mills & Reeve’s major quality was their ability to provide clear and accessible advice and guidance. Their advice was always very commercial, explained clearly and delivered in plain English. I am yet to meet a Mills & Reeve lawyer that is not easy to get along with!”

Senior Commercial Officer

Ministry of Defence

“10/10...You have been responsive, flexible and accommodating in dealing with service requests. Communication has been prompt and clear with designated personnel but with alternatives offered if the usual contact is unavailable. Advice has been clearly articulated and always explained with further clarification provided upon request.”

Director of Estates, Facilities, PFI and Capital Development

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

“The team leads the market for advice to HE institutions for student accommodation projects in the UK.”

Chambers UK

Our clients

We have vast experience working with organisations across a range of sectors, with our clients including:

  • UCL
  • University of Exeter 
  • University of Hull 
  • Bournemouth University 
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Defence Infrastructure Organisation
  • Homes England
  • NHS and foundation trusts 
  • Local authorities 
  • Aviva Commercial Finance
  • Investment companies and development consortia

Our lawyers

Our partners are recognised as industry leaders by Chambers UK and Legal 500. Supported by a team of specialist, approachable lawyers, we bring in the right people for your project.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

We help you keep pace with the changes, challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Your main contact