Background

AF Consulting specializes in advising public and private sector clients on finding the optimal way to win, operate and manage PFI and commercial FM contracts. We have developed a close working relationship with the NHS based on experience and understanding of NHS contracts and structures.

The company was established in March 2008 by Ian Rogers, a Chartered Surveyor with over 20 years’ experience in the Facilities Management (FM) industry. Ian spent 11 years in senior management positions with organisations that operated long-term PFI contracts. Edward Marston joined AF Consulting as a Director in January 2010. Edward is a qualified lawyer and has considerable experience of working with PFI contracts.

The AF Consulting approach

The AF Consulting approach has been developed to identify opportunities to make PFI contracts more cost-effective, whilst delivering sustainable improvements in service performance and working practices. AF Consulting challenges the precept that operational PFI contracts, once signed, are immutable. We work on the basis that benefits and incentives, resulting from parties working together in true partnership, far outweigh traditional fears about moving away from contractual comfort zones.

The complexity of PFI contracts can often deter and inhibit seeking improvements and changes. This creates an environment in which service delivery can deviate from precise contractual requirements. There is also a general perception that, once signed, PFI contracts afford little scope for variation or opportunity for extracting savings.

However, in many instances a better understanding of contract terms and more robust monitoring can achieve the desired savings without the need to negotiate contractual changes.

The NHS, in common with other public services, has a heavy responsibility for ensuring it receives best value from its outsourced and indirect service arrangements. If there are ways to improve the methodology of FM service delivery, or make services more responsive to a changing clinical landscape – in each case without increasing and potentially reducing costs over the entire life of the contract – there is a compelling case for pursuing this outcome.

As more agencies and organizations worldwide are looking to apply UK standards to the procurement of public contracts, AF Consulting  has developed services specifically designed to apply its knowledge and experience of structuring and  managing competitive tenders, through-life maintenance and renewal of assets, risk and financial modeling to the procurement and delivery of  PFI, PPP and DBOT-type contracts having an extended post-construction service or concession structure. 

Effective use of independent consultants can deliver immediate savings with long-term sustained financial and performance gains. AF Consulting has developed a unique approach operated by their experienced consultants to extract improved services and best value.

Contact us today to find out how AF Consulting can help your NHS Trust.