CJ Construction Blog

But that's exactly how Sir John Egan believes it has performed in the 10 years since his report was published. In a damning speech last week, he said that housebuilders had failed to improve and had got their come-uppance (see page 1). But his ire was also directed at the government and developers, both of whom he believes are bad clients.

Sir John believes the industry can improve and pointed out that Constructing Excellence demonstration projects had shown that it was possible. But even they didn't achieve the efficiencies he believed existed.

Perhaps the last 10 years of sustained growth have been the problem plenty of work means there is little or no reason to change. Now, though, there may be some impetus to look at the Egan Report afresh.

The problem with tougher business conditions is that it is often too daunting to look at doing things in a different way. Cost-cutting is often the easiest option to start with, but it's not the solution to a sustainable, healthy business.

Sir John's approach might not have taken root, but 10 years on and in the face of the credit crunch, there may be some ideas worth looking at. Housebuilders, take note...