2.6 We found several instances of local project teams developing innovative solutions to difficulties that arose. There were common periods of "dead time" in the procurement process which some areas managed effectively. One such example is Ashton, Leigh and Wigan where, when completion of negotiations was imminent, but had not been completely resolved, the private sector partner agreed with the public sector team that they would risk starting initial construction work early to better allow them to meet their proposed completion date. Another common delay was in obtaining Strategic Health Authority approval for business cases. Schemes which engaged the Strategic Health Authority in the process early on and co-ordinated their timetable with that of the Strategic Health Authority Board reduced the time taken to obtain approval.