Essex firms form alliance to win local regeneration deals

Ten Essex-based construction firms have formed a loose alliance to bid for major regeneration deals in their region.
Basildon Renaissance and Constructing Excellence (BRACE) is, in effect, an integrated supply chain. Its members are: architects ATP Group, Matt Lamberton Associates and The David Rackham Partnership; project manager Daniel Connal Partnership; main contractors RG Carter and Lakehouse Contracts; engineer John Pryke & Partners; earth moving firm CJ Pryor (Plant); best practice consultant Pi Ally; and registered social landlord Moat Housing Group.
A BRACE spokeswoman noted: "All we're lacking is an M&E engineer."
Chairman of BRACE is David Rackham. He explained how the group came together: "All the members of BRACE attend the Constructing Excellence Best Practice Group for Essex. It became clear to us that if we joined together we would be able to offer a complete package to customers and compete for substantial tenders, which would be inconceivable individually."
All members are equal partners and meet monthly. However, BRACE is not a consortium and cannot contract under that name. Bids are likely to be led by RG Carter and Lakehouse.
The group is targeting regeneration work in Basildon, particularly the Gardiners Lane South project, and Thames Gateway schemes.