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New Centre for Construction Best Practice Launches to Bridge Industry-Academia Gap and Tackle Sector Challenges

A new Centre for Construction Best Practice (CCBP) has officially launched with a mission to bridge the longstanding gap between academia and industry in the UK built environment sector. After almost two years of planning and collaboration with academic institutions, industry leaders, and policymakers, the Centre aims to address some of the sector’s most pressing challenges by fostering knowledge sharing through extensive research at seminars and events across the country.

As the industry faces significant pressures, including labour shortages, an ageing workforce, economic uncertainties, and environmental challenges, CCBP is focused on creating a platform that drives innovation and collaboration. Through targeted research, events and data-driven insights, the Centre seeks to shape the future of the built environment, with a focus on five key areas: design excellence, advanced materials, innovative methodologies, emerging technologies, and sustainability.

CCBP is exploring their inaugural research project with the University of Cambridge, which will focus on developing a standardised set of Social Value measures for the construction sector. This will provide the public and private sector with free access to consistent and transparent metrics to evaluate the social impact of their construction projects. By creating a unified approach to social value, the project aims to empower stakeholders across the industry to make more informed decisions and generate strong social impact.

Robbie Blackhurst, Chair of the Centre of Construction Best Practice, said:

“After nearly two years of collaboration with industry leaders and academic institutions, I am absolutely delighted to announce the launch of the Centre for Construction Best Practice. Our mission is simple – to bridge the gap that has long existed between academia and industry practice.

For too long, industry conferences have become nothing more than talking shops, with no real action or follow-up. We want to change that and ensure that academic research leads to tangible, policy-driven outcomes. Companies and individuals can get involved by joining us as members, contributing to our research projects, and shaping the future of industry standards. Whether as individual members or corporate partners, you’ll have the opportunity to influence the direction of our research and make a meaningful impact on the sector.”

The Centre is calling on individuals and companies to get involved in its mission to drive forward research, influence industry standards, and address the challenges facing the construction sector today. By collaborating with CCBP, members will be part of a dynamic community dedicated to advancing the built environment industry.

To kick off its programme of events, CCBP will host the Healthcare Transformation Summit on 15th May at The British Library Knowledge Centre in London. This high-profile event will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and industry professionals to discuss the pressing issues facing the NHS estate today.

To find out more about the Centre for Construction Best Practice (CCBP), visit https://ccbp.org.uk.

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