Aberdeenshire Council has awarded a multimillion-pound contract for all repairs and maintenance on its properties.
Members of the local authority’s policy and resources have agreed a five-year deal with Forth Electrical Services FM starting from April.
The firm, which has a base in Westhill, will take over repair work for all council offices as well as maintenance of social and sheltered housing.
The authority says the new deal has a strong “community focus” with training opportunities for local people.
Small and medium-sized firms have been assured they will still be part of the supply chain despite the new single provider approach.
Policy committee vice-chairman Stephen Smith said: “It is the community focus which is the most exciting and puts Aberdeenshire Council at the forefront of a new partnership approach.
“We are leading by example and I am reassured by the rigour and detail that has gone into the direction and the subsequent award.”
Forth Electrical Services FM managing director Frazer Meiklejohn added: “We are delighted at this contract award and the opportunity of working collaboratively with Aberdeenshire Council.”
The total value of the five-year deal has not been revealed.