What does the construction playbook mean for us as an SME?

As an SME, we’re excited about what the Construction Playbook has highlighted when it comes to public sector frameworks.

Ultimately, it expresses the government’s desire to have efficient project supply chains, engage experts to get construction right from the start and focus on both economical and environmental sustainability over the next decade.

All of which are exactly what we do at Resolution Interiors on a daily basis.
Let’s be clear, there is definitely still a place for larger fit out companies in the industry, but there are a few points within the Construction Playbook that seem like they’re calling out to us specifically…

Commercial pipelines

The government’s plans to share comprehensive pipelines of future activities will help us to understand their demands. While the aim of this is to give SMEs more visibility that will allow them to get involved, we see this as a way to truly understand what public spaces are going to need as time goes on.

We always consider how we can deliver spaces that will work not only for right now but into the future.

Early supply chain involvement

Early supply chain involvement (ESI) can improve innovation, reduce the changes needed and save costs towards the end of a project timeline.

Our technical team and project managers love to get involved early on in the project lifecycle to ensure that build intelligence, sustainable systems & materials, health & safety, durability, functionality and value engineering are all considered – and not just as an afterthought.

We’ve even helped clients source the best location for their new office space by getting involved in the early stages.

This quote from the playbook sums it up perfectly:

“SMEs are experts in their fields and can provide insight into MMC, innovative technologies and ways to minimise the GHG footprint of the proposed solutions across their whole lifecycle”

Outcome-based approach

A space is only as good as what you get out of it. This is why regardless of the type of space we’re creating, we host meetings, workshops and brainstorming sessions to understand exactly what the people using it every day will need from it and how we can help them achieve their goals. This lines up perfectly with the government’s aim to “focus on whole life value”.

By emphasising the need to focus on outcomes, contracting authorities will value this mindset when developing the project brief and going through the evaluation process.

Benchmarking & Should Cost Models

Should Cost Models are a brilliant way to highlight to contracting authorities the need to consider lifecycle costs. It can be easy to focus on getting a great deal in the here and now – but how great is it if it costs you more in the future? Should Cost Models will drive a better understanding of the whole life costs and risks associated with different options.

All construction projects, whether public or private, need to be exploring how they can create more economically sustainable spaces. Our project team are innovative in employing systems and infrastructure that reduce energy consumption, improve lifecycle and present long-term cost savings for the ongoing success of a project.

Delivery Model Assessments

While SMEs and larger organisations generally have different prospects, occasionally the two might pitch for the same project. In our eyes, this is where delivery model assessments could make a real difference to where projects are awarded.

Since we as SMEs often have to be agile in our delivery, we are well equipped to provide a bespoke delivery model for public projects that truly works for everyone involved.

Our national network of reliable suppliers have proven track records of delivering projects efficiently, safely, on time and to a high standard. This network of tried and tested SME’s provides nationwide coverage to our business, meaning we can deploy resources in a variety of ways to suit any project.From our perspective, the Construction Playbook is a positive step towards including more SMEs in government projects and we’re excited to see what the future brings.