Detention projects


With more than two decades of experience in this area, we help major market players bid for the UK's largest detention projects and manage the associated reputational issues.

In the highly political and potentially contentious area of detention, we know what it takes to support you and your team throughout the bidding process. 

We can help you from the very start, advising which projects to tender for, building confidence with the procuring team and securing the right people to resource bids. 

We understand the risks and key issues that need to be focused on and know how to work efficiently and effectively to help achieve your goals, acting as an extension of your bid team to ensure a joined-up, thorough approach.

Our experience

Having worked in the detentions market for 20 years and acting for both the private and public sectors, we can assist you to maximise your legal and commercial submissions.

Our work includes:

  • Working on bids for consortia on UK prisons PFIs in England and Scotland. One of these included a major US Detentions provider which had not been active in the UK for several years. We prepared briefings for senior management to explain key risk issues to assist them in understanding the UK market approach. 

  • Successfully bidding for contracts to refurbish and operate Immigration Removal Centres. We then supported the winning bidders in the operational phase, assisting them to respond to delivery and associated payment mechanism issues. 

  • Acting for a consortium in their bids for contracts relating to the secure transportation of prisoners. 

  • Supporting a bidder for a “tagging” contract. We guided the client through an innovative contractual structure, providing suggestions to improve the procurer’s approach.

  • Advising on international detention PPPs and refinancing options. Our work included projects for two maximum security prisons in South Africa.

Our in-depth experience means that you can be confident your legal response will enhance your bid.

Did you know?

£750million

We advised the joint venture GEOAmey PECS in a successful bid for three long-term contracts for prisoner transport and custody. 

£110million

We advised the Department of Correctional Services of South Africa on refinancing options for two maximum security prisons. 

£60million

We advised The Geo Group on its successful bids for Immigration Removal Centres in the UK.

What our clients say about us?

“It’s been a sincere pleasure working with you... I’ve learned much from our relationship.”

Wayne Calabrese (Former Vice Chairman and President)

The Geo Group

“The money we are spending on the Mills & Reeve team is the best value for money we are spending on the whole of this procurement by far!”

Senior Commercial Officer

Central Government Department

Our clients

Clients we have supported on detentions matters include:

  • The Geo Group
  • GEOAmey PECS Limited 
  • Department of Correctional Services of South Africa 

Get in touch

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Our expertise

Aerospace and defence projects
Detention projects
Health and care projects
Student accommodation projects

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