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Businesses in Shropshire working in the construction sector and its supply chains can discover more about fundamental changes to how public sector contracts are awarded at a new event next month.

Building Beyond Price – Social Value & the Procurement Act on May 22 in Telford aims to help businesses understand why tenders with the cheapest price will not necessarily be the preferred option by local authorities in 2025.

Hosted by Shropshire Constructing Excellence, the Constructing Excellence Midlands Shropshire club, the event will explore the impact of the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force in February this year and represents the most significant reform of how councils award contracts in a generation.

SCE chairman Paul Inions, managing director of McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd, said the new legislation could open up more work to SMEs, but only if they understood the requirements around social value.

Paul said: “The legislation introduces fundamental changes to how public sector contracts are awarded and managed, with social value taking centre stage in the decision-making process.

“This shift signals a crucial change in public procurement, where value is no longer measured purely in financial terms but encompasses broader benefits to local communities.

“For the construction sector, these changes are particularly significant. The Act mandates that contracting authorities must consider how procurement can improve social, economic, and environmental well-being in their area. Quite simply, being the cheapest isn’t necessarily going to win you the work.”

The Act moves away from the traditional Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach to a new Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) system.

Talking Shropshire’s construction sector through the changes will be procurement expert Gary Stevens, of GBS Procure, who has worked closely with Shropshire Council’s STAR Housing team in recent months.

He will be joined by Kate Moore, Social Value lead with Speller Metcalfe, to talk through how businesses can align and measure activity to benefit communities and create lasting social impact.

Under the Act, companies will need to demonstrate not just their technical and financial capabilities, but also their commitment to delivering meaningful social value.

This includes:

– Developing robust methodologies for measuring and reporting social value

– Creating clear strategies for local employment and skills development

– Establishing partnerships with education providers & community organisations

– Implementing systems to track and report social value outcomes

– Understanding how to effectively communicate social value propositions in tenders

– Building capacity within supply chains to deliver social value commitments

Amy Bould, managing director of Be Bold Media and committee member of SCE, will host the event in the Orange Tree at Telford College, which will start with breakfast networking at 8am. To register for the event, click here.

The Constructing Excellence West Midlands Awards 2025 brought together leading names from across the region’s built environment sector to celebrate the very best in innovation, collaboration, sustainability, and community impact. Held in a spirit of pride and progress, this year’s awards showcased projects and people who are setting new standards and delivering meaningful change.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL WINNERS PHOTOS

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD HIGH RES PHOTOS FROM THE AWARDS

🏆 Winner of Winners

Animal Studies Centre – Speller Metcalfe, Cundall, Dudley College of Technology, Cullinan Studio, Fulcro, Derry Building Services, IPInitiatives
This outstanding project triumphed not only in its individual categories but was also crowned Winner of Winners for its exemplary commitment to integrated working, sustainability, and innovation in delivering a first-class educational facility.

🏅 Award Winners

🌟 Highly Commended Projects and Organisations

The judges also recognised exceptional entries that demonstrated excellence and impact across key categories:

Constructing Excellence West Midlands congratulates all winners and highly commended entrants for their remarkable achievements. This year’s entries reaffirm the region’s position at the forefront of construction excellence in the UK — where collaboration, sustainability, and innovation continue to thrive.

With our new safety regime, some suggest that the Single Stage Design and Build (SSD&B) procurement route is dead and buried – particularly in the case of Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs). But given its resilience are the rumours of its demise greatly exaggerated?

This month, Martyn Jones asks whether it will be replaced by procurement routes more in tune with the Building Safety Act (BSA) and the BSR’s Gateways? Or, will it change around the new safety regime?

There are reasons accounting for the popularity of SSDB, which have been fully articulated over the years, including increased speed of project delivery by overlapping design and construction.

But as outlined in the CE publication, ‘Outcome-led procurement’, this means that work is often priced, planned and started before the extent of the works and consequently the risks are fully understood.

Under the new safety regime, the current practice of starting works on site whilst other key elements of the design are progressed won’t be acceptable with design now needing to satisfy Building Control before works start on site.

This means that SSD&B, will at least, need to be reconfigured, or indeed replaced by an alternative procurement route.

Of course, even in an SSD&B approach, a design needs to be developed and built that meets Building Regulations at completion. What is changing now is the point at which certainty of compliance with the Building Regulations is achieved, who is providing that approval, and who takes the contractual risk of delays in obtaining approval from the BSR.

Approving designs much earlier in the new safety regime’s process is currently causing frustrating delays in starting works on site and adding additional project costs.

And if continuing with an unchanged SSB&D a key concern for contractors is how the risk of the delays in the Gateway approval process are handled contractually.

But there are benefits too with earlier design approval: the works should progress much more smoothly once started, the project and supply chain partners fully understand what is to be built, the risks involved are understood and mitigated, there are no unagreed substitutions, and no delays awaiting design information or sign off.

There are still a lot of unknows here. Until more schemes have gone through Gateway 2, we will not have clarity on what will and, more importantly, will not be acceptable to the BSR.

Clearly the BSR currently has resourcing issues resulting in delays, but according to them, the poor quality of some submissions is also a source of holdups. This means we don’t yet know how long approvals are likely to take once the new regime beds in and the industry becomes more adept at submissions.

What we do know is that it is unlikely that contractors will be willing to accept the risks of delays at Gateway 2 in SSD&B and will seek to be engaged under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) to play their role in gaining approval, before entering a formal contract and committing to a contract sum.

There are alternatives to SSD&B that have been long advocated by Constructing Excellence, such as Two-stage tendering, and maybe the new safety regime with its more meticulous approach will be the catalyst for the change in procurement strategies we have long sought.

We know the benefits of Two-stage: early contractor involvement, improved design buildability, greater cost and programme certainty, risk mitigation from a fully developed design, with the potential for all partners to work more collaboratively to produce better outcomes.

But clients have some concerns with this approach including investing in one contractor who may opportunistically inflate build costs at the final offer stage knowing that restarting the process with another contractor would cost time and money.

That’s why shared values, beliefs, behaviours, and trust are such important elements in transitioning away from SSD&B to the more collaborative models advocated by Constructing Excellence – Two-stage and Integrated Project Insurance (IPI).

This means dusting off our thinking on the relationships associated with supply chain management (SCM), with their greater transparency, goal convergence, synchronisation of decision making, alignment of incentives and joint knowledge creation. And yes, greater synergy to explore higher-value solutions, driven now by the common goal of making credible submissions to Gateway 2.

Welcome to the CE Midlands Newsletter for May!

As we step into the month of May, we’re excited to share the latest updates, events, and insights from the CE Midlands.

May is a month filled with joys and celebrations. From the much-anticipated bank holidays giving us a chance to relax and recharge, to the fun of Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!), and the poignant commemorations of VE Day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

I’m Molly Shaw, the Chair of the G4C Midlands Committee, and I’m thrilled to guide you through this month’s newsletter.

For those who may not be familiar, Generation for Change (G4C) is a multidisciplinary platform for young professionals in the construction industry. We unite talent with the aim of driving transformative industry changes by nurturing and connecting future leaders. G4C is the young professional voice of the UK built environment industry and an integral part of Constructing Excellence, the single organization charged with driving the change agenda in construction.

In recent years, G4C West Midlands has rapidly grown with a record number of members and continues to attract the region’s future leaders from a variety of companies across a range of disciplines. The committee, with the support of the Constructing Excellence Midlands board, is dedicated to making a positive change for the next generation. We provide a platform for young professionals to present their suggestions for the betterment of the industry to leaders and decision-makers.

In the West Midlands we host a range of events that our members know and love, such as the Young Professional Breakfast Club, CPD sessions, G4C Midlands Awards, and much more. These events provide opportunities for young professionals to meet like-minded peers in a safe, welcoming environment while offering continuous learning and development opportunities. Through the creation of this environment, we have fostered a collaborative space that supports individuals to grow, broaden their network, and find joy in working within our industry

This year, we have had an excellent start with reviewing our achievements at the CE Midlands AGM, hosting G4C Coffee for Blue Monday, a site visit at The Boulevard – Bristol Street, and continuing our Young Professional Club where we’ve given our young members the opportunity to learn about topics such as Burnout and Neurodiversity. We also celebrated the young talent in our industry at the G4C Midlands Awards..

If you haven’t already done so, we highly recommend attending our events. Regardless of whether they mention “young,” these events are valuable for everyone. Line managers, bring your younger members of staff; university lecturers, notify your students—we are here for you. Bring your young professionals along to our free development sessions that will enhance their career development. Follow us on LinkedIn and join our mailing list to stay updated on all our activities. Together, let’s make the industry a better place.

So, grab a cup of tea, coffee, or your choice of tipple, settle in, and let’s dive into what’s happening this month. Whether you’re looking forward to networking events, industry news, or want to read more about our CE Midlands Award Winners, we’ve got you covered.

Happy reading, and may the force be with you!

Constructing Excellence Midlands is proud to continue our industry partnership with OFFSITE EXPO 2025, the UK’s leading showcase of offsite construction technologies. Taking place on September 16–17, 2025, at the Coventry Building Society Arena, this must-attend event will bring together the brightest minds and most innovative businesses shaping the future of construction.

With over 3,700 visitors in 2024—including architects, contractors, developers, engineers, and key government stakeholders—OFFSITE EXPO offers unparalleled networking, learning, and promotional opportunities. More than 135 speakers and panellists delivered dynamic content across a variety of thought-leadership sessions, further cementing the event’s role as a hub for offsite excellence.

Why Exhibit?

Position your business directly in front of a highly targeted and engaged audience. OFFSITE EXPO is the ideal platform to:

· Launch new products and services

· Demonstrate technical expertise

· Generate quality leads

· Engage with senior decision-makers from across the construction supply chain

Whether you offer advanced offsite solutions, digital technology, or innovative components, OFFSITE EXPO provides a high-impact environment to drive your brand forward.

Sponsorship That Delivers

If you’re looking to amplify your exposure without the logistics of a stand, or to supplement your exhibition presence, a wide range of flexible sponsorship packages are available to suit all marketing objectives and budgets.

From high-visibility options like show guide branding and delegate bags, to immersive engagement zones such as the Offsite Café, VIP Lounge, or Offsite Bar, there are countless ways to elevate your brand’s presence. Exclusive packages include:

· Seminar Theatre Sponsorship – associate your brand with industry-leading discussions

· Digital Eshots – reach thousands via targeted email campaigns

· Offsite Connect Forum – put your business in front of high-value buyers

· Offsite Construction Awards – celebrate and be associated with offsite innovation and excellence

With bespoke packages available, OFFSITE EXPO offers an unrivalled platform to enhance visibility, generate leads, and showcase thought leadership.

Secure your place today.

To explore exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, contact Julie Williams at julie.williams@radar-media.co.uk 01743 290042

Let’s build the future—offsite.

We are very excited to announce Muhammad Sibi as the new Chair of the Future Skills Theme Group!

Muhammad is the Founder and Director of SibiNet Limited, an organisation dedicated to connecting diverse talent with inclusive employers across construction and the built environment sector.

Starting his career as a labourer in 2019, Muhammad has first-hand experience of the challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds in a sector historically lacking in representation and inclusion.

Driven by a passion to create change, Muhammad has built meaningful partnerships across communities, industry leaders, and policymakers to help tackle the construction sector’s growing skills crisis.

Through SibiNet, he focuses on supporting individuals from underrepresented groups to build successful careers in the built environment sector, while helping employers attract, recruit, and retain diverse talent, bridging critical skills gaps and driving innovation across the industry.

Muhammad has said “I am very much looking forward to getting started and adding value to the group”

For the first time, the Future Skills Theme Group Meeting is open to everyone, not just CE Midlands members,  this is a great opportunity to get involved in shaping the future of skills in the built environment.

🗓 Date: Wednesday 15th May
🕙 Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
📍 Venue: Mott MacDonald, 10 Livery Street, Birmingham, B3 2NU
☕ Tea and coffee provided!

🎯 What to expect:
✔ Introduction of Muhammad Sibi as our new Chair
✔ Presentations from CITB – Sandra Stevens FHEA and NHBC
✔ Agree key deliverables for 2025
✔ Input into our updated Single Page Plan
✔ Networking and open discussion

🚨 Only 22 in-person spaces available – book early to secure your seat!
🌐 Can’t make it in person? Join us online via Teams! Simply book an online place, and we’ll send you the Teams link before the meeting.

🕛 Bookings close at midnight on 13th May
🔗 https://lnkd.in/eJHgx6SU

Be part of the conversation. Let’s collaborate to build a future-ready construction workforce.

We are delighted to welcome Jedd Davies of Rider Levett Bucknall as the new Chair of the Constructing Excellence Midlands Climate Action Theme Group!

“I am thrilled to be stepping into the role of Climate Action Theme Group Chair for CE Midlands. I really appreciate the suggestion.

Having been an active member of the committee, I’ve really valued the work we’ve done to date and I’m excited about the opportunity to now help shape and drive this important agenda forward.

With my background in MEP design and decarbonisation delivery, and my current focus on leading decarbonisation strategies across the built environment, I feel I can bring both technical insight and real world experience to the role. Working with clients to develop low carbon pathways, implement energy-efficient systems, and optimise performance across portfolios has given me a clear view of the challenges, but also the huge opportunities facing our industry.

I’m looking forward to working closely with the group and wider CE Midlands network to bring some real momentum to this theme.”

All CE Midlands Theme Groups are open to our members. If you are a Regional member and are interested in joining the Climate Action Group please do get in touch info@cemidlands.org

The next Climate Action Theme group meeting will be on the 3rd June at 12:30 – 2:30pm in Birmingham

The implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022 has introduced a transformative framework for improving safety and accountability within the UK construction industry. To help industry professionals navigate these new requirements, two important guidance documents—Building Safety Advice Note 5: Implications for Quality Management and Building Safety Advice Note 6: Impact on Designers—outline crucial responsibilities and compliance measures.

These advice notes offer essential insights into how the Act affects quality management systems and the role of designers in ensuring building safety. Below is an overview of their key takeaways:

Advice Note 5: Implications for Quality Management

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

This document focuses on the impact of the Building Safety Act on quality management processes, emphasizing compliance, accountability, and competence. Key areas include:

To ensure compliance, firms must review and update their quality management systems, strengthen risk assessment procedures, and develop a culture of accountability through training and continuous professional development (CPD).

Advice Note 6: Impact on Designers

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Designers play a critical role in building safety, and this guidance highlights their increased responsibilities under the Act. Major aspects include:

Why These Advice Notes Matter

Both advice notes reinforce the urgent need for cultural and procedural changes within the industry. The Act’s reforms demand a proactive approach to safety, emphasizing risk management, competency verification, and regulatory compliance. For industry professionals, these documents provide practical steps to adapt to the new legal landscape and uphold the highest safety standards.

By integrating these insights into daily practice, designers and quality managers can help ensure safer, more resilient buildings while maintaining compliance with the evolving regulatory framework.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of G4C East Midlands and are looking for motivated individuals to join our committee!

This is your chance to be part of an exciting network that’s shaping the future of the UK construction industry.

Why Get Involved?

As a committee member, you’ll benefit from:

Our Mission

G4C East Midlands aims to enhance collaboration, share knowledge, and create a space for young professionals to grow within the construction industry. We’re part of a larger national network, and together, we help drive forward industry innovation and change.

Join Us!

If you’re passionate about construction and eager to help shape the future, we want to hear from you. Don’t miss the chance to make a difference while accelerating your career.

Interested?  Please fill in this application form 

Have any questions? Please Contact Mariam or Alex

Welcome to the Constructing Excellence Midlands newsletter.  It is an exciting time within your club; there is plenty happening, on many fronts, as the industry gets to grips with the repercussions of international news and the consequences of a change in Government.  This change means that there has never been a better time to take advantage of your membership and get involved with the various theme groups and meetings to hear how others are addressing industry challenges.

One of those changes that will affect us all are the consequences of the Grenfell Fire.  There is now a statutory duty for all businesses to demonstrate the competence of their staff.  This applies throughout the supply chain and includes employees on site and in the office.  The Building Safety Regulator is charged with supporting industry to demonstrate competence of these people.  Reporting to the Building Safety Regular are competence committees and steering groups, and these oversee the work of a large cohort of over a thousand volunteer experts from across industry who are working to define individual competencies.  You may think that you and your organisation know what a competent person is, but the definition of competencies that will matter are those that inform the view of the Building Safety Regulator and these are being worked through by these groups.

This work has crucial importance to our sector.  Set the competence level too high and companies will struggle to meet the standard, creating a shortage of workers to deliver projects.  Set them too low and quality that the Regulator seeks, to reduce the risk of poor design and delivery, will be missed.  Some sectors are looking to use the competency work to drive upskilling within those sectors, which maybe fine, provided that the timescales are achievable and the courses exist to facilitate additional skills.  Competency is a measure of four elements:  Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEBs)  How do you think that your teams, and your supply chain teams will measure up to these statutory competencies?  Information on this work is available on the Construction Leadership Council’s website and those who are interested should search here to find out the standards by which they will be judged.

Under the Building Regulations Amendment Regulations 2023, there is also a requirement for every organisation carrying out any building work or any design to have the organisation capability to deliver this work.  The work on organisational competence has not yet started in earnest, but it has to be critical for procurement teams, who are statutorily bound to only contact with competent organisations.  It is going to be fascinating to see where the benchmark is set, but you might imagine a number of requirements around collaboration, payment and communication.

My suggestion is that all companies need to look at the implications to your employees and your organisations.  Change takes time and there may be commercial opportunities for those who are prepared when procurement catches up with statute.  For individuals, I suggest an early check on your SKEBs relative to the standard set by your sector, would be worthwhile.  If it is not yet ready, then I’d suggest getting involved and influencing the outcomes of these debates.

Constructing Excellence Midlands wishes all its members every success and urges you to take advantage of the opportunities presented by your club.

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