A major research initiative focused on Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) has been launched by the Centre for Construction Best Practice (CCBP), the leading construction organisation for excellence and innovation in the built environment sector.
Backed by Tier One contractors and the Government, the study aims to examine the benefits of ECI in public sector projects, particularly in early Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) design stages and Two-Stage Procurement.
ECI is known to be highly valuable for delivering public sector projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.
However, participants in the CCBP’s roundtable discussion shared concerns over inconsistent implementation as a barrier to the most effective use of ECI.
The study aims to address this challenge and provide actionable strategies to improve the implementation of ECI across the industry.
The CCBP has formed an academic advisory board to support research aims and academic direction.
The Board comprises experts from five leading institutions:
- University College London – 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
- The University of Edinburgh – School of Engineering
The call for evidence is open, and all relevant stakeholders are encouraged to participate.
By sharing your views, you’ll have the opportunity to influence construction policy and ensure your needs and concerns surrounding EIC are taken into consideration.
Those who submit evidence will also be named on the whitepaper produced at the end of the study, which will help to cement your business as a leading, respected voice in the industry.
Contractors interested in taking part have until 5pm on Tuesday 30 September 2025 to submit evidence for the project.
For further information about the study and what it means for you, please get in touch with our construction solicitors today.