We have advised the Environment Agency on a £300 million flood risk reduction contract that will benefit more than 1,250,000 residents along the River Thames and reduce the risk of flooding to £200 billion worth of property and infrastructure.

The Thames Estuary Asset Management Programme, which will deliver the first ten years of capital investment in flood risk management schemes as recommended by the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan (TE2100), will see significant financial savings; for every £1 spent on flood risk reduction, £38 is saved in damage repairs.

We advised the Environment Agency on the bidding process, helping them set up the criteria and secure the best deal, not only in terms of money but also in terms of an effective flood risk plan for the area. The competitive bidding process, which was won by operations and programme management business CH2M Hill, has saved an estimated £100 million for the taxpayer.

Laura Collison-McLean, procurement manager at the Environment Agency said: “This project was certainly challenging at times but thanks to Mills & Reeve’s advice and guidance we ended up with a really robust contract which will stand us in good stead for the future.”

Andrew Ray, projects and construction partner, said: “The bidding process for this contract was complex but we were able to assist the team at the Environment Agency throughout and help them secure an agreement that will mean improved flood protection for areas around the Thames Estuary and a great saving for the taxpayer. We were delighted to be involved in this landmark agreement that will protect thousands of homes and businesses.”

The team at Mills & Reeve also included partners Ron Plascow and Stuart Thompson, national head of procurement law Ruth Smith, associate Simon Crane, solicitor Emma Watson and trainee solicitor Ania Tarasiewicz.