The University of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering and Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership have formally joined the Centre for Construction Best Practice’s Academic Advisory Group, marking another important step in CCBP’s growth as it continues to build momentum across the built environment
The Centre for Construction Best Practice (CCBP) is an independent research body focused on research, collaboration and best practice across the built environment, working with academics, industry and public sector partners to support evidence-led improvement across the built environment.
These additions strengthen CCBP’s growing academic network and reflect the increasing reach and relevance of the organisation’s work. The Academic Advisory Group also includes the University of Edinburgh, the University of Leeds, Queen’s University Belfast, University College London and Loughborough University, bringing together a strong mix of expertise from across the built environment and reinforcing CCBP’s ability to convene leading voices from across the UK.
Robbie Blackhurst, chair of the Centre for Construction Best Practice, said: “The University of Cambridge is one of the most respected universities in the world and we are honoured to have both the Department of Engineering and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership involved in helping to drive CCBP and its research forward.
“Working alongside our Academic Advisory Group strengthens our ability to bring well-researched solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenges, particularly around sustainability and long-term value.”
Both Cambridge bodies will support CCBP in delivering its research aims, helping to strengthen the academic rigour, credibility and wider impact of its work. Their involvement comes at a significant point in CCBP’s development, as the organisation continues to attract leading voices from both academia and industry.
John Orr, professor of structural engineering at the University of Cambridge Department of Engineering, said: “I’m pleased to be joining the advisory board for the Centre for Construction Best Practice. This is an opportunity to help shape the future direction of our industry, strengthening sector collaboration and supporting innovation across the built environment. I look forward to working with colleagues to advance best practice and drive meaningful progress for the sector.”
That growth is being supported not only through the Academic Advisory Group, but also through CCBP’s Industry Advisory Group, a group of leading contractors helping to shape the work the organisation does. With members including Kier, BAM, Wates and Morgan Sindall. Together, these advisory groups are helping CCBP build a stronger platform for research that is both academically robust and grounded in industry experience.
Government-backed research
One of the most significant examples of this is CCBP’s major research project into Early Contractor Involvement (ECI). The study is one of the organisation’s biggest projects to date, is backed by government and carries significant implications for the future of public sector procurement and project delivery.
At its heart, the research is focused on understanding the cost of late procurement and the role Early Contractor Involvement can play in improving outcomes across construction. Developed in collaboration with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment and government, the research explores whether earlier contractor appointment genuinely leads to better project outcomes.
If Early Contractor Involvement improves delivery, the evidence should be clear. CCBP’s work is designed to test that question through national research, case studies and industry insight, helping to build a clearer picture of where earlier collaboration is making a measurable difference.
Mike Reader MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment, said: “We know that ECI has been critical to many successful infrastructure and building schemes. But the public sector still struggles to make this the norm across its projects. This research will drive change in public projects delivery.”
That work will come to a major milestone on 3 June, when CCBP hosts The Cost of Late Procurement: National Research Briefing at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. The event will mark the release of the findings from the Early Contractor Involvement research and the launch of CCBP’s government-backed white paper, creating an important platform for industry and public sector leaders to engage directly with the evidence and its implications.
The event will focus on the true cost of late contractor appointment, where Early Contractor Involvement is delivering better outcomes, case studies from projects across the UK and how earlier collaboration can improve delivery.
Speakers include representatives from Manchester City Council, Future of Greater Manchester, Manchester Airport Group, PLACED, Mindflow, Arcadis, RealWorth, Morgan Sindall, Willmott Dixon, BAM, Gleeds and Trafford Council, underlining the scale of interest in the findings and the wider conversation surrounding them.
The findings will be formally released at CCBP’s National Research Briefing in June, creating an important platform for industry and public sector leaders to engage directly with the research and its implications. Further details and tickets for the event can be found here.
Dr Tim Forman, course director of Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment at CISL, said: “The construction industry faces urgent imperatives to deliver better quality and value while meeting our most pressing sustainability challenges.
“Sharing evidence-based best practices is essential to delivering the resilient, efficient buildings and infrastructure our communities need. I am delighted to support CCBP as it works to meet these challenges.”
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