Wates Construction has been awarded the £133m empa contract, which runs for a total of four years from January 2014, following a rigorous OJEU procurement process.

This is a regional framework for empa (the East Midlands Property Alliance) which is managed by Scape.

The aim of empa is to improve the procurement and delivery of construction projects and property maintenance for local authorities saving time and money for them and their council taxpayers.

Wates has been successful in securing the Provincial framework which covers construction work valued between £500K and £7.5M.

Phil Harrison, Managing Director, Wates Construction Midlands and North, said: "I am delighted with the announcement that Wates has been named as the contracting partner for the empa Provincial framework, a procurement route that has and will continue to provide cost and time efficiencies in the delivery of public sector construction works.

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"Since our appointment to the empa Intermediate framework in 2009, we have delivered a range of works across the region and we have worked in partnership with Scape to ensure this work has brought with it a boost to the regional economy through local subcontractor engagement. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Scape to provide public sector clients with true value for money."

Head of empa, Alan Coole, added: "Our tender processes are always extremely thorough and I would like to congratulate Wates on successfully securing this particular framework.

"The work of empa, and managing agent Scape, gives our public sector clients peace of mind. By having our contractors already in place our clients do not need to undertake procurement exercises themselves – saving them time and money.

"We are also committed to using a high percentage of local contractors and suppliers in the vicinity of each project, maximising local spend and reinvesting in the local economy.

"The work of the empa academy will also continue to provide opportunities for employment and skills training, including apprenticeships to local people. Empa has recently celebrated providing its 50th Apprentice opportunity to young people in the region."

(CD/JP)