Client event 2024

Recently, the North West construction Hub held our second Client Engagement Event. This event, which is now in the calendar as an annual event, forms the foundations of our ‘informed framework’ objectives. I have been reflecting on the discussions held across the three key topics of the day: RAAC, Bio-Diversity net gain, and Ethical Procurement. With this blog post, I would like to share some of my thought and observations with you…

I was very pleased to open the event, and share a personal reflection of the current market, exploring some of the highs and lows of the last 12 months. The focus was on what we can do as a collective, to approach the hurdles that client and project delivery teams face each week.

Following myself, Peter McDermott then addressed the room, highlighting the ‘Gold Standard’ framework objectives, and the new Procurement Act that comes into effect in October 2024.

The first keynote speaker of the day was Craig Capewell from Roberston Construction, who opened the discussion on RAAC. His presentation focused on the complexities of delivery on live sites, addressing the ‘potential unknowns’. Craig ran through some examples of RAAC projects currently being delivered to illustrate that there is not a ‘one-size fits all’ solution. The session then moved on to the panel discussion, which balanced perspectives from a client, cost consultant and industry innovation point of view. Although it was evident that the RAAC we know about is only scratching the surface of where the product has been used, the panel did note that not all RAAC is an issue. As with any material, appropriate maintenance and correct installation are crucial to ensure that risk is minimised. The panel also explored the viability of ‘replace or repair?’, as well as cost control measures that should be considered. Overall, the panel was able to effectively shed some light on the complexities of RAAC, while acknowledging that there are still many ‘unknowns’.

The second discussion point was Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – an important topic in sustainability that has become increasingly prominent with the passing of new legislation in March which mandates a minimum 10% net gain on almost all projects. The session began with a poll vote to assess the audience understanding of the topic. This was followed by a keynote address by Morgan Taylor , a director at Greengage Environmental. Morgan addressed what BNG is, why it is important, and how it can affect a project. For me, the key takeaway is that enhancing biodiversity on a project is not just a tick-box exercise, but an opportunity to truly integrate nature with the built environment to enhance outcomes for people, communities, and the environment. The panel discussion that followed brought together perspectives from local government planning, ecology consulting and landscape architecture. The discussion was unanimous in that BNG can add immense value to a project, but also highlighted industry concerns that were to be tackled in the road ahead. The overall sentiment of the panel discussion was that the new legislation was a positive step forward for the industry, as we work together to create a built environment that not only ‘maintains’ nature, but ‘enhances’ it.

The final session of the morning focused on Ethical Procurement, and what that truly means. Zoe Brooke from Save the Construction Initiative presented some hard-hitting figures on the true cost of tendering – not only commercially, but psychologically. Zoe’s presentation highlighted the importance of considering the human impact of procurement. A thought-provoking and passionate panel discussion followed, with representatives from senior public sector procurement, a legal public sector specialist and a national Framework Director for a main contractor. As a key element of ethical procurement, sustainable levels of OH&P was discussed in-depth. All parties across the discussion firmly agreed that sustainable levels of OH&P should be encouraged across the industry, to reduce risk to the client, contractor and supply chain. A move away from the lowest price, race to the bottom tendering, was embraced by all.? The discussion concluded with a reflection on the ethical responsibility clients need to consider prior to choosing a procurement route, with due diligence and governance paramount.

Once again, the event ended with a closing address from Jared Allen Director of Capital Programmes, Corporate Estates and Facilities for Manchester City Council. His summary of the event commented on how the knowledge within the industry can be tapped into by breaking down barriers, and supporting fellow public sector organisations.

Integration and early engagement were common themes throughout all the topics of the day. There was also a focus on behaviour changes for the betterment of the project and organisations. The North West Construction Hub are evaluating how we are best placed to guide and support these industry changes. We will be reviewing and releasing information over the coming weeks, from the event and also from our contractor led Special Interest Groups – so keep an eye out on our website and LinkedIn!

Finally, I would like to note that the support we received from our framework contractor partners in hosting this event, was, as always, excellent. The NWCH team and I would like to thank them for their attendance and support with the delivery of the event. I would also like to share my sincere gratitude to the keynote speakers and panellists, for sharing their knowledge, passion and time with us all.

Brian Durham Susan Hine Chris Balshaw Joe Gough @Duncan McCorquadale Pete Swift Michael Sellors Andrea Leigh Rob Byrnes North West Construction Hub

This is how an informed, integrated framework operates!

I look forward to seeing you at the next event.

Mike Tyler, NWCH Business Development Manager & Client Liaison