As the country continues to face increased costs of living, the public sector is no exception and local authorities will be looking even more at how to get the best value for money for the taxpayer, alongside tackling the challenge of meeting net zero targets.

Partnership working is pivotal for councils, as it means they can draw on expertise from wider organisations, avoiding diverting in-house resource while also streamlining their spending and getting the best outcomes for the communities they serve.

As the market leader in sustainable regeneration, Equans has spent decades evaluating best practice, delivery methods and routes to funding on behalf our customers; and partnership working will continue to be our personal model for success.

One of the best examples of this is Qwest – a true partnership model that is centred on combating rising costs and improving services. This is a joint venture which sees Equans and Cheshire West & Chester Council owning a share in a limited company, delivering a broad range of services, and allowing an innovative vehicle to make changes quickly, delivering continuous improvements and savings for the council.

Since its inception in 2015, Qwest has expanded from its original scope of improving the council's digital and corporate areas, by entering the home building market in 2020 to offer affordable, sustainable housing. The joint venture company is now involved in numerous projects to create new and energy efficient homes across the region, while building diverse communities.

Wharton Green, a formally disused site in Winsford, marked the start of work on a brand-new £16.2m development in Cheshire, delivering zero carbon homes helping the local council reduce carbon emissions and bring down living costs for residents. In this project, Qwest has been able to utilise Equans' skillset and industry experience, while allowing the council to free up difficult sites alongside the support of Homes England.

The site has provided an innovative, sustainable development of 138 new build homes with significant assistance from the Homes England Accelerated Construction funding programme. In addition to the 138 two, three- and four-bedroom properties, the scheme has also delivered improvements to local highway infrastructure and includes provision of quality open space as a community focal point.

The new homes are energy efficient; all featuring electric vehicle charging points as standard, and residents have the option to upgrade their new home to net zero carbon by utilising further renewable energy systems and integrating smart home technology.

In addition to Wharton Green, work has begun on an additional site in Winsford, Verdin Exchange, to build over 300 more sustainable, affordable homes. The site also presents opportunities for community spirit by incorporating sports areas where local clubs can meet and play.

As part of its work, Qwest has also delivered social value for the community of Cheshire West by creating new opportunities and apprenticeships for local young people and continuing to provide accessible services for vulnerable people. The SV programme has gone further and provided various fundraising and volunteering activities to support those in the community in need.

Over its current eight-year life, based upon themes, outcomes and measures (TOMs), Qwest has delivered in excess of £850,000 in social value activities. Through true collaboration and partnership working, the benefit for all stakeholders goes far beyond just cost saving but also provides tangible satisfaction and positive outcomes for the community.

Ben Cummins is Managing Director at Qwest and Regional Partnerships Director at Equans UK & Ireland

This article is sponsored content for The MJ