Hertfordshire County Council has appointed Jacobs to transform the county’s highways and environmental services, initiating a significant collaboration.
- Jacobs will lead the charge, providing critical programme and asset management services, paving the way for innovative solutions.
- The collaboration includes notable partners like PA Consulting, Tetra Tech, Tony Gee, and Brightly, enhancing the initiative’s reach.
- Commencing in October 2024, the contract spans five years with extensions up to 14 years, boasting a considerable annual value of £17 million.
- Aiming to foster local enterprise and sustainability, the initiative strives for a cleaner, more efficient Hertfordshire, impacting over a million residents.
Hertfordshire County Council has entered into a pivotal partnership with consulting engineer Jacobs, tasking them with the provision of essential highways and environmental professional services. This strategic move seeks to overhaul and upgrade services within the county, aligning with contemporary needs for sustainability and efficiency.
Jacobs is set to spearhead the programme, alongside its management services, assisting the council’s highways and environmental departments. Crucially, the initiative entails technical support to ensure that the county’s infrastructure is not only maintained to high standards but is also progressively improved.
Significantly, the Jacobs-led team is bolstered by the inclusion of key partners such as PA Consulting, acting as an ’embedded innovation and transformation partner.’ This coalition is further strengthened by sub-consultants Tetra Tech, Tony Gee, and Brightly—a Siemens company—creating a multidisciplinary team well-equipped to tackle the complex challenges faced.
The contract benefits from a substantial commitment, with an initial duration of five years starting in October 2024, which may be extended to a maximum of 14 years. This long-term engagement is valued at an estimated £17 million annually, underscoring the importance and scale of the undertaking.
Kate Kenny, a senior vice president at Jacobs, emphasised the partnership’s goals to cultivate a collaborative culture of innovation. According to her, this endeavour will not only address the pressing infrastructure needs but will also contribute to the growth of local small and medium enterprises, enhance local skills, and generate job opportunities.
With these strategies in place, the overarching aim is to deliver resilient and effective services that benefit over a million people living and working in Hertfordshire. The focus remains on sustainability, efficiency, and fostering local growth—hallmarks of a forward-thinking approach to urban development.
This landmark collaboration between Jacobs and Hertfordshire County Council is poised to reshape the county’s infrastructure landscape.
