Recommendations

Mandate the
recommendations in the
Construction Playbook

In line with Recommendation 9 of the May 2026 Competition and Markets Authority report, we recommend that the UK Government should mandate compliance with the Construction Playbook and its accompanying guidance notes – ending the current ‘comply or explain’ approach.

Should cost models, early
supply chain involvement and
design to budget

Projects repeatedly enter cycles of being deemed ‘unaffordable’ due to poor benchmark data. An industrialised construction approach provides decision makers with key insights and data to make more informed and intelligent investment decisions.

Maximise the benefits of
repeatable design and supply
chain continuity

More contracting authorities should harmonise, digitise and rationalise demand to enable the industrialised construction approach from concept stage, as per some of the programmes referenced in this report.

Set and enforce outcome-
based targets

Develop and apply standardised, cross-project metrics throughout the project lifecycle, drawing on efficient data collection methods such as the New Hospital Programme.
View a current international pan-industry Productivity data collection here.

Prioritise consistency and
predictability as core
productivity measures

Greater emphasis should be placed on predictability, performance and certainty of delivery, rather than simply selecting the lowest initial offer. A lowest-price approach can reinforce optimism bias and increase the probability of severe cost overruns and delays.
Consistency and predictability of buyers and suppliers should be measured. Supply chain confidence is impacted by unpredictable pipeline conversions. Large pipelines of work can quickly lose their attractiveness when delivery becomes inconsistent, whether due to funding interruptions or subjective human decision-making.