Client event September 2023

In the days that have followed the North West Construction Hub Client Engagement Event, I have been reflecting on the discussions held across the three key topics; modern slavery, decarbonisation and single V two stage tendering. I have listed a couple of points and observations taken from the event I would like to share with you…

We started the day with an opening address from Professor Peter McDermott from the University of Salford. Peter, who lectures on procurement within the built environment, highlighted some of the challenges in the current construction industry and the staggering fact that there are over 2,000 construction frameworks in operation. He also highlighted the stability that public sector frameworks offer, discussing how past and present legislation and Government involvement is shaping the need for regulation of future frameworks.

Helen Carter from Action Sustainability opened the pandora's box of illegal exploitation of forced labour that is currently within the construction industry. Helen’s opening address was an interactive audience poll, highlighting some incredible statistics.? The discussions then moved over to the panel members who represented charities, consultants, and contractors, again showcasing some real golden threads of knowledge and best practices. I believe, accountability and identification are the way forward and everyone involved in the NWCH and our framework contractor partners must act. It was uplifting to listen to the panel talking about how it’s everyone’s responsibility not just in the construction sector but also in everyday life and I highly recommend every organisation should undertake the slavery footprint survey.

Moving on from Modern Slavery, Tom Cullingford Equans, introduced all things ‘decarbonisation’. Decarbonisation in the built environment is a real focus and in particular embodied carbon. Tom shared with the audience how the focus has been on scope 1 and 2; carbon reduction which is only around 2% of carbon emissions. Therefore, the focus needs to be on the Scope 3 targets with sustainable design and the circular economy. The ‘build nothing’ approach would change the root course, but this is not an option. The approach should be optimising the asset and improving the management of them or build clever. Innovation and re-purpose of existing materials were prevalent with the panel discussion being centred around reality and what can truly be delivered on site.?

The third and final topic of the day was delivered by Keith Heard from Hampshire County Council and the Chair of the NACF (National Association Construction Frameworks) who kick started the age-old debate: Two Stage v Single Stage Tendering. He shared some statistics in relation to added benefits to a Two Stage approach and spoke about integration stating, ‘you can’t just lock a group of individuals in a room and tell them to collaborate, they need to integrate to achieve a positive result’. We held a poll prior to the panel debate to ascertain what the general feeling was in the room regarding single stage V two stage and what are the preferred routes to market. The debate continued with the panel with focus on the impact on business from both approaches. A key point that was picked up on of Two Stage approach with un-sustainable levels of OH&P resulting in poor behaviours from all parties and putting clients, contractors, and supply chain at risk. To close the session, we ran the same poll at the end of the debate with a shift to 0% of the voters opting for a single stage tender selection…thought provoking!

The common theme throughout all the topics was supply chain and how we best integrate them into the project/ client objectives, involve and create behaviour change for the betterment of the project and the organisations. NWCH are looking at how we are best placed to guide and implement these changes and will of course be reviewing our findings and releasing information over the coming weeks from the event and our contractor led special interest groups so keep a look out on our website and social media channels!

The event ended with a summing up of the day by Jared Allen , Director of Capital Programmes, Corporate Estates and Facilities for Manchester City Council. He commented on the level of discussion and how important it is to listen to Client’s needs and the need to share great practice between our organisations.

The support we received for our construction partners was as always excellent and we thank them for their attendance and support with the delivery of the event. Each panel had representation from Client, Consultant and Contractor side to provide a rounded view of the topics. We have sincere gratitude to the speakers and panels for sharing their knowledge, passion and time with us all.

This is how an informed framework operates!

Look forward to seeing you at the next event.