The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has launched a series of briefings exploring how Project Speed can improve delivery of homes, hospitals, schools and rail.

Written following four industry roundtables hosted by ACE in partnership with construction firms Laing O’Rourke, Mace and Reds10, as well as Network Rail and housebuilder Thakeham, the briefings feature in the prestigious The House magazine. The publication aimed at parliamentarians and policymakers working at the heart of Westminster runs an exclusive opinion piece by ACE chief executive Hannah Vickers.

The four briefings explore how the industry can meet aspirations to deliver infrastructure and the built environment “faster, better and greener”. Taking inspiration from the rapid delivery of NHS Nightingale hospitals, the briefings explore practical measures that need to be taken to unlock delivery. Case studies shared from across the UK demonstrate the tangible steps that can already be taken to make Project Speed a reality.

The briefings have already made an impact politically with Simon Fell (Simon Fell , Conservative MP for Barrow and Furness), a prominent member of the influential Northern Research Group of MPs in parliament, penning his own comment piece in response to their launch exploring how Project Speed is vital to levelling-up, Northern Powerhouse and the Green Industrial agenda.

Hannah Vickers, chief executive of ACE said: “I have no doubt that we have the vision, creativity, and problem solving skills to meet the Project Speed challenge head-on, which is why we brought the industry together for our roundtables.”

“The discussions, summarised in the Project Speed Briefings we are sharing today, saw common themes emerge – strengthening the evidence base and use of data, the digitising of previously paper-based processes such as planning consultations, assurance and approval processes, a new approach to value-based decision making looking beyond the financial, and how good design can significantly improve health, education, housing and transport outcomes.”

“I’m delighted our the briefings have already made an impact in Westminster and will form the basis of our engagement over the coming weeks and months as we reinforce the message that our members, and the industry more widely, are key partners for Government if Project Speed is to become a reality.”

The four ACE Project Speed briefings are available to download below.

Replay ACE Insight webinar on Project Speed with John Cridland, Chairman of Transport for the North hosted by ACE’s North West group on 16 March 2021.