We support new government-backed CCBP research into Early Contractor Involvement (ECI)
We’re proud to support The Centre for Construction Best Practice (CCBP), which has launched a major research initiative focused on Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), supported by Government, other 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 Wates, BAM, Kier, Morgan Sindall, and Stepnell, 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).
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.”
Mike Reader MP
Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment
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.
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.”
Robbie Blackhurst
Chair of the Centre for Construction Best Practice
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.”
Stephen Beechey
Group Public Sector Director at Wates Group
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 call for evidence is now open and will close at 5pm on Tuesday 30th September 2025.
Contractors and supply chain interested in contributing will be named on the whitepaper. To take part in this research, click here.
