In 2000, following a major earthquake in Turkey, Arup joined five other British engineering and construction firms operating in the country to form the British Earthquake Consortium for Turkey (BECT). Together the companies undertook a series of studies in a district which had suffered seriously from the quake. These studies sought to identify high risk areas with regard to future earthquakes and thus provide guidance for planning and development. The work was funded by the companies and by the UK Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

The disaster risk reduction experience of Arup in Turkey is particularly interesting as it demonstrates the possibilities for private sector partnerships to reduce disaster risks.