The introduction of the Common Assessment Standard will significantly avoid duplication and as a result reduce time, effort and resources, currently estimated to cost construction around £1 billion a year.

The industry-wide pre-qualification scheme will reduce the cost of bidding with contractors and clients and ensure a smoother process for ACE members seeking work. With just one certification required to tender for work and a data sharing solution between clients and contractors, it will mean a once complex and time-consuming process has been simplified.

Chair of ACE’s Procurement and Pipeline Neil Humphrey (Waterman) said: “This is welcome news at an crucial moment in time. ACE members will be delighted that the cost of bidding for new work has been reduced and will reward businesses that are take a proactive approach finding new work post pandemic.

“It is also a great practical example of how closer industry collaboration through the Construction Leadership Council is delivering for the whole supply chain.”

The new scheme was jointly created by CECA and Build UK, and is backed by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) which is actively seeking its adoption throughout Government construction procurement, including the Construction Playbook. Major contractors and clients including Balfour Beatty, HS2 (pictured), Mace, Multiplex and Skanska have already adopted the standard.

Andy Mitchell, chair of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) said: “The CLC is delighted to endorse the Common Assessment Standard which is set to transform the construction PQ process. It is a real and practical way of reducing bureaucracy and improving quality in the industry and it comes at just the right time.

“Companies will be able to demonstrate that they meet an agreed industry standard, and clients and contractors will be able to rely on the certification. The CLC will be encouraging the adoption of the Common Assessment Standard throughout public and private sector procurement.”

Find out more on the CLC website.