The Centre for Construction Best Practice (CCBP) has launched a government-backed research initiative aimed at exploring Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) in public sector construction projects.
Supported by government bodies, Tier One contractors, and five academic institutions, the study seeks to assess the benefits of involving contractors early, particularly through early RIBA stages and two-stage procurement.
The initiative follows a roundtable with contractors such as BAM, Kier, Morgan Sindall, Stepnell, and Wates, where ECI emerged as a critical factor for on-time, on-budget delivery.
However, concerns were raised about inconsistent adoption and barriers to implementation in the public sector.
With the construction industry facing growing pressure to meet government targets on value, sustainability, and efficiency, CCBP believes this study will shape future procurement strategies.
Group public sector director at Wates Group, Stephen Beechey, said, “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.
“We’re proud to support this initiative and look forward to seeing its findings shape future policy and procurement strategies across the UK.”
An academic advisory board has also been created to help shape the research, with five universities in the built environment, including UCL, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Leeds, Loughborough University, and the University of Edinburgh taking part.
The findings will be compiled into a whitepaper to be submitted to government later this year.
CCBP chairman, Robbie Blackhurst, urged contractors to contribute their data and experiences, highlighting the study as one that will become the most comprehensive on ECI to date.
He said: “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.”
The call for evidence will close on 30 September 2025.
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