Constructing Excellence and Be ready to merge

Two of the UK construction industry’s leading change organisations have today (Tuesday) announced they have made substantial progress towards convergence.

Constructing Excellence and Be (Collaborating for the Built Environment) began talks in July; they have now prepared plans to be presented to the boards of both organisations giving authority for future convergence. 

The plans have been drawn up by Peter Rogers, Bob White and Dennis Lenard from Constructing Excellence, and Richard Saxon and Don Ward from Be.

Chief Executive of Constructing Excellence, Dennis Lenard said: “ I can only see major benefits for the industry and government. 

"The DTI have indicated support for convergence and together with me confirm that one of the key objectives of the current Constructing Excellence organisation is to ensure that the industry and government are aligned in the delivery of national priorities for industry improvement. 

“A new organisation including both the Constructing Excellence partners and the Be members will facilitate government and industry interaction to shape the future in all aspects of the built environment," he said.

"Together, we will be able to make a major impact in the context of regeneration, quality of the built environment, business success, competitiveness and long term viability of the industry to guarantee the effective delivery of community assets.”

Providing the plans are agreed by the two boards it is intended to make an announcement on 22 November at a partners reception to be hosted by Constructing Excellence.

Subject to agreement being reached a new organisation could be operative in April 2005; although it is expected collaborative projects will begin shortly after merger is confirmed

The plans for convergence will go before the Be board on 16 November, with ratification in December. 

The Constructing Excellence board of management has already been appraised of the recommendations and support the direction.