The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced leading infrastructure solutions company, Costain, as one of the key suppliers on the department's latest Specialist Technical and Commercial Advice for Rail and Other Transport Modes (STAR Three) Framework.

This framework, worth up to £600m in total, will run over an initial three-year period with an option to extend by a further year. The PRIME position awarded to Costain is across all categories under Lot 1 which makes up the vast majority of the framework.

The role will work alongside lead partner GHD which will provide technical advisory and professional services.

Costain and GHD will provide specialist consultancy advice to support the aims of DfT as it delivers infrastructure projects across road, rail and aviation. As critical partners to Government, Costain and GHD will help the Department solve the UK's biggest transport challenges, including decarbonisation, reliability and safety, levelling-up, ageing infrastructure, and economic uncertainty.

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The partnership builds upon the success of DfT's previous framework, STARTwo, and continues a longstanding and collaborative relationship between the DfT, Costain and GHD.

They will be supported by a highly specialist and experienced supply chain drawn from across the transport industry. Costain committed 38% of spend to small and medium sized businesses last year, and we will build on this track record to meet DfT's target of 40% SME spend on this framework.

Sue Kershaw, managing director of transportation at Costain, said: "Costain's selection as prime supplier recognises our industry-leading transport advisory services and commitment to improving people's lives.

"Transforming and future-proofing our transport networks will be critical to ensuring growth and prosperity across the UK, as well as meeting net zero ambitions. We look forward to continuing to work with the Department for Transport to help solve some of the UK's most pressing infrastructure challenges.

"The framework will also allow us to collaborate with key industry partners, like GHD, to harness skills, innovation and knowledge to drive a more productive and sustainable infrastructure network."

Jonathan Edwards, GHD's market development leader EMEA, comments: "GHD is committed to addressing the world's biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy and communities. Within transport we are focused on being the leading advisors and technical authorities in the movement of people and goods and on projects that improve connectivity.

"The STARThree Framework of the DfT is set to enable improved access to specialist technical and commercial advisory support nationally. Our selection, in partnership with Costain, highlights our ongoing commitment to the DfT and presents a remarkable opportunity for us to contribute to transforming the market and connecting and supporting communities for generations to come."