First clients join Build UK
Build UK has added the first client organisations to its collective voice as it continues to drive positive change by welcoming all areas of the industry to the table.
Major industry clients Argent and Great Portland Estates plc are the first to join, with other private developers taking a keen interest in Build UK’s activities.
Argent has delivered some of the best mixed-use developments across the UK, including major commercial, residential, education, cultural and community developments, and is key to the partnership that is developing the 67 acre site at King’s Cross. Great Portland Estates plc is one of the largest private developers in the capital with a property portfolio of over £3.7 billion, delivering new and refreshed buildings when quality space is scarce. Current projects include Rathbone Square, 73-89 Oxford Street and 160 Old Street, all of which total a combined construction project value of around £350m.
Build UK was created in September 2015 to provide a strong collective voice for the contracting supply chain in construction and the introduction of client organisations to the conversation will further demonstrate the industry benefits of working openly and honestly.
Build UK Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol MBE said:“We’re delighted to welcome Argent and GPE on board. Opening the Build UK discussions to construction clients will enable us to have the honest conversations our industry needs. This is particularly important if we want to change the industry for the better and to the benefit of the whole supply chain.”
Phil Sullivan, Construction Director at Argent, added: “As a construction client we are looking for certainty when delivering across our projects, and as such we are keen to engage with the Build UK membership. We now have a fantastic opportunity to work more collaboratively with the contracting supply chain and improve the quality and performance of our built environment, and I would encourage more clients to join us and help deliver lasting results for the industry.”
James Pellatt, Head of Projects at Great Portland Estates plc, said: “As a leading construction client, we understand the value of working closely with our main contractors and trade contractors, paying them regularly and promptly and listening to their suggestions. With design teams needing increasing assistance to fully design buildings it is important to continue dialogue in a constructive and collaborative manner with our supply chain and Build UK provides us with a useful forum for debate.”