10 PFI projects involve long term relationships between authorities and contractors who, at first sight, appear to have inherently different objectives. A successful outcome for both parties can only be achieved if they are prepared to approach projects in a spirit of partnership. This requires an understanding of each other's business and a common vision of how best they can work together as partners.
11 Our survey showed that most authorities and contractors have made efforts to understand each other's businesses and to establish a shared vision for the project. On some projects, however, authorities and contractors have not taken steps to understand each other and establish common ground and this has often contributed to the subsequent development of an adversarial relationship.