Vosper gunning for Army college work

Vosper Thorneycroft is going great guns in its bid to build an Army sixth-form college in Nottingham. The firm is expanding into the defence support services sector and is one of two in the race for the £25m private finance Welbeck College deal.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is expected to ask Vosper and Interserve, its rival, to work up best and final offers. It is expected a preferred bidder will emerge before the end of the year.

The MoD originally included Amey in its shortlist, but it is understood that the firm has pulled out of bidding for the deal.

Three other contenders - Jarvis, Norwich Union PPP Fund and Equion (part of the Laing stable) - failed to make the final cut.