The Centre for Construction Best Practice (CCBP) has launched a major research initiative focused on Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), with support from Government, tier one contractors, and five leading academic institutions.

The study will explore the benefits of bringing contractors on board earlier, particularly through early RIBA stages and Two-Stage procurement, and is based on a coordinated push to tackle delivery challenges in public sector construction projects.

The research follows a roundtable discussion with main contractors including BAM, Kier, Morgan Sindall, Stepnell, and Wates, where ECI emerged as a consistent theme. While participants cited it as critical to ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery, concerns were also raised about inconsistent adoption and barriers to effective implementation across the public sector.

With pressure mounting on the industry to meet government targets on value, sustainability and efficiency, CCBP believes this research will play a pivotal role in shaping future procurement strategies.

The research initiative has already gained quick support from Central Government, which recognises its potential to promote best practice in the adoption of Early Contractor Involvement (ECI).

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.”

CCBP is now calling on contractors of all sizes to contribute to the study by sharing project data and insights on ECI adoption. Findings will form the basis of a whitepaper to be submitted to Government later this year.

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.”

As part of its mission to connect industry and academia, the Centre has formed an Academic Advisory Board, made up of five universities known for their expertise in the built environment. These include The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction at University College London, The School of Natural and Built Environment at Queen’s University Belfast, The School of Civil Engineering at University of Leeds, The School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering at Loughborough University and The School of Engineering at University of Edinburgh.

The Academic Advisory Board will shape the direction of CCBP and its research aims.

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.”

The call for evidence is now open and will close at 5pm on Tuesday 30^th September 2025. Contractors interested in contributing can do so via the CCBP website or click here