PFI Handback: views from the coalface – 29 April 2021

Hear how the public and private sectors believe early collaboration is key to secure a successful outcome for all. Freeths have gathered together leading industry experts, often with opposing views, to highlight the major issues facing stakeholders when embarking on the handback of a PFI project. Chaired by James Larmour, come and listen to the debate from the following:

---

Speakers

James Larmour, Chair, Projects Partner, Freeths

James has twenty years’ experience of advising on a number of complex and innovative infrastructure and project finance transactions. These include a number of PFIs, PPPs, joint ventures, outsourcing and M&A deals, both within the UK and overseas. James has advised local government, private equity funds, sponsors, senior lenders, construction contractors and service providers on transactions across a diverse range of sectors (including accommodation, custodial, education, energy, healthcare, roads, rail, waste and waste water).

James Graham, Commercial Director ENGIE Public Sector & Futures

James’ current role includes a portfolio of 67 PFI Agreements across the health, education and blue light sector to which ENGIE provide Hard FM, Lifecycle, Soft FM & Energy Management. James started his career supporting healthcare PFIs in 2008 and has led commercial teams across a number of sectors and contracts since that time, working at both Interserve & Balfour Beatty, joining ENGIE in 2015. Over the last two years James and his team have created a Commercial Legacy team focussed on PFI expiry.

Sara Humber, MIM Programme Director 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme, Welsh Government

Sara is a senior practising commercial lawyer specialising in PPP with extensive experience in PPP procurement, structuring and delivery. Her experience on PPP schemes spans sectors including education, social housing, waste and health advising both the private and public sectors.

Sara is deployed full time in Welsh Government’s Education Directorate (through Local Partnerships). At Welsh Government, Sara has successfully structured and delivered a bespoke strategic partnering arrangement called the Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPCo) to facilitate the delivery of £1.5 Billion of additional investment in education infrastructure in Wales. The model allows local authorities and further education institutions to access partnering services via a Strategic Partnering Agreement to facilitate the delivery of new educational facilities using the Mutual Investment Model (MIM).

Chris Field, Director, Dalmore Capital

Currently working at Dalmore Capital as a Director within the Asset Management, team with equity investment accountability for 21 assets. Those assets are spread across the Education, Healthcare, Custodial, Renewable Energy and Blue Light sectors. Chris has 25 years’ experience in the PFI/PPP arena covering every aspect from origination to divestment. These days, his focus is on managing the investment in mature, operational projects including the expiry agenda. This agenda is ‘live’ on 3 of his assets, which will all expire within a relatively short period of time. Before becoming involved in the PFI/PPP market, Chris spent his early career in the construction industry, handling the project management of the construction of large-scale buildings for a range of private and public sector clients.

---

Date: Thursday 29 April 2021
Time: 10am – 11am
Venue: Zoom