9 Promote the success of the UK PPP model abroad

The UK has been a pioneer in the development of public private partnerships (PPPs) in public services across the world. They have proved to be a cost-efficient way of funding major projects and service innovations, generating significant reform and improvement across a range of sectors. Many countries are designing and developing PPP projects based on the UK model, and those thinking about PPPs are looking to UK experience to help advise and develop their own models. There are real opportunities for UK public service companies to develop markets in other countries.

Some countries are still in the early stages of using PPPs and are focusing on infrastructure and building projects, while others are at the stage of creating PPP units similar to the one within HM Treasury. The UK still leads the world in PPPs, and with interest growing around the world a strong export market for UK skills is developing. These firms are generating income for the UK economy, which is converted into revenue that is ploughed into public services. But there is a need for a continued push from the government, which should help UK companies build on their position as world leaders in this field by taking on a stronger support role through UK Trade and Investment and other bodies. Business is already engaging in new markets abroad:

 In custodial services, the UK model for privately man aged custodial services is already being exported - one UK provider is delivering electronic monitoring systems in Israel, managing seven juvenile facilities in the US, and working in partnership with the Ministry of Justice in The Netherlands to provide custodial services through managing prison and detention centres. In the same sector, another provider is successfully running the Mangaung Correction Centre, Bloem-fontein - the first PPP/PFI prison in South Africa - as well as the first PFI prison in Australia.

 In defence services, one provider is building on its experience of the Joint Service Command and Staff College in Wiltshire and expanding overseas. To date it has delivered military training centres in Australia and Germany, and is part of a consortium selected as a preferred bidder to build and operate a military training academy in Oman.

 In the healthcare sector, one UK provider which holds a number of PFI contracts has been contracted to design, con struct, maintain and finance Canada's first two PPP hospitals. It also provides a range of infrastructure, building, road maintenance, facilities management and PPP expertise in other countries.

 In welfare to work, one provider already delivers programmes in Israel and Poland. Providers are also acting as consultants with a number of governments on their welfare and business support programmes.

 Across international public service markets, consultancy and professional services firms are increasingly central in helping deals reach financial close. Several consultancies regularly work overseas with public sector purchasers, service providers who are bidding for PPP services and financing organisations active in PPP markets. One UK technical consultancy now advises procurers, bidders and lenders on PPP projects around the world - most recently in Jamaica, Greece and Kuwait.