Central Bedfordshire Council - one of the latest Local Authorities to install SDS ProVal

Published by Alison Schur for Shelton Development Services in Housing and also in Local Government

When Central Bedfordshire Council needed a software system that could provide detailed financial analysis for development appraisals, and in particular Extra Care Schemes, they turned to SDS.

Previously, appraisals were handled by Savills, who already use ProVal, and the council had also developed their own simple business case using an Excel spreadsheet.

Liaising with Ian Johnson, Asset Manager - Housing Service, at the council, a demonstration of the system was arranged in November last year, followed by a fully supported trial. The financial services team at the council then carried out a detailed analysis of the results.

There followed a full tender process and SDS were delighted to receive news in early January 2012 that they had won the contract. System installation and staff training took place shortly after and ProVal has so far been used for provision of an Extra Care Scheme at Dukeminster Estate, Dunstable.

Ian Johnson reports - "We regard the service we have received from SDS as excellent. Trialling the system was very good and we were very impressed with the demonstration from their Marketing Manager, Andrew Markham".

For further information on ProVal please go to SDS-ProVal