Capgemini UK has been awarded a five-year contract with National Highways to act as its Service Management Maturity (SMM) partner, in a deal valued at £35.9 million and potentially rising to £47.2 million. The agreement runs from July 2026 through to June 2031 and has been let via an existing framework arrangement.

The contract covers both IT and operational technology (OT) service management, with Capgemini tasked with helping strengthen and evolve National Highways’ service management capability across the organisation.

A key element of the commission is not just delivery support, but long-term capability building. The consultancy is expected to enhance existing processes, develop a more integrated end-to-end service management model, and progressively transfer knowledge to National Highways teams to support greater internal ownership over time.

This emphasis on embedding expertise within the client organisation reflects a wider shift in public sector procurement, where buyers are increasingly prioritising self-sufficiency alongside transformation outcomes. Industry analysis, highlights growing demand for suppliers that can support organisations in becoming less dependent on external delivery partners.

For Capgemini, the deal strengthens its position within the transport and infrastructure sector. The company is already part of National Highways’ wider IT Commercial Framework, which has been active since 2022 and includes multiple suppliers across different service lots.

Recent activity across the framework has seen several significant awards, including a managed services contract held by Version 1 and a data-focused agreement awarded to CGI, reflecting ongoing investment in digital infrastructure and service transformation across the organisation.

The latest contract adds to a growing portfolio of technology partnerships supporting National Highways as it continues to modernise its operational systems and service delivery models.