The Centre for Construction Best Practice (CCBP) has launched a major industry-backed research project to investigate the impact of Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) on public sector construction outcomes
Supported by the Central Government, leading tier-one contractors, and five top UK universities, the study aims to strengthen procurement models by promoting earlier engagement with contractors—particularly during the early RIBA stages and Two-Stage procurement processes.
The research responds to growing pressure on the construction sector to deliver greater value, sustainability, and efficiency across public sector projects.
ECI has emerged as a key enabler of these goals, following a recent roundtable hosted by CCBP with leading contractors including BAM, Kier, Morgan Sindall, Stepnell, and Wates.
Evidence-based guidance to standardise ECI implementation
While the benefits of ECI—improved programme certainty, cost control, and design coordination—were widely acknowledged, participants highlighted the lack of consistent adoption across government frameworks as a major barrier.
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.”
With this study, CCBP seeks to provide evidence-based guidance to help standardise ECI implementation across the sector.
Robbie Blackhurst, chair of the Centre for Construction Best Practice, commented: “Early Contractor Involvement is too often spoken about as an ideal, rather than standard practice. Yet when it’s absent, it’s frequently cited as a root cause of project failures.
“This research seeks to understand not just the impact of ECI on public sector projects, but how it can be implemented in procurement most effectively. We’re urging contractors to come forward with their experience and be part of the UK’s most comprehensive study into ECI to date. All contributors will be credited in the final whitepaper, which will be shared with government to help shape future procurement policy.”
Academic Advisory Board
The research is being steered by a newly formed Academic Advisory Board made up of five institutions renowned for their built environment expertise:
- University College London (The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction)
- Queen’s University Belfast (School of Natural and Built Environment)
- University of Leeds (School of Civil Engineering)
- Loughborough University (School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering)
- University of Edinburgh (School of Engineering)
Professor Leon Black, the professor of infrastructure materials at the University of Leeds School of Civil Engineering, said: “Industry change is only possible through collaboration and the research that underpins it. We’re delighted to join CCBP’s Academic Advisory Board and support their drive to foster knowledge sharing and best practice.
“Early contractor engagement is known to be critical in delivering sustainable and circular infrastructure. I’m pleased to see this white paper on a vital and potentially transformative initiative.”
Stephen Beechey, group public sector director at Wates Group, said: “At Wates, we’ve long championed the value of Early Contractor Involvement in delivering better value, faster, and more sustainable outcomes for public sector projects.
“This research by CCBP is a vital step in evidencing what we’ve seen time and again – involving contractors early leads to smarter planning, reduced risk, and better project outcomes for government and the communities we serve.
“Working alongside prestigious research institutions, government and our peers in the construction industry, we’re proud to support this initiative and look forward to seeing its findings shape future policy and procurement strategies across the UK.”
Call for evidence
CCBP is actively inviting contractors—from SMEs to tier ones—to contribute to the study by sharing insights and anonymised data from projects that have implemented ECI. The findings will be published in a government-facing white paper later this year, offering actionable recommendations to improve procurement practices across the UK construction industry.
The call for evidence is now open and will close at 5pm on Tuesday 30th September 2025. Contractors interested in contributing can do so via the CCBP website or click here.
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