CIAPSTwelve West Midland’s based construction related businesses are joining the Construction Industry Accredited Performance Scheme (CIAPS) following introductions from the Find It In Sandwell project. The project, run by Sandwell Council, is engaging local businesses, from all sectors, to become capable and preferred suppliers for future projects.  There are many benefits from the initiative for the businesses, who are all SMEs (small to medium enterprises) and Sandwell, such as; employing local labour, using local products, reduced travel for the supply of products and services (carbon footprint reduction) and ease of communication when working locally.

The CIAPS programme is based around delivering businesses the requirements of the six Construction Commitments, these six key areas are vital to delivering construction projects on time, safely and to budget. They represent the principles which it is intended will underpin all construction projects in order to achieve a better industry and exceed current best practice.

The CIAPS programme is being funded and delivered by WMCCE, through one of its expert delivery partners, Success Train. The training is taking place at the Sandwell Council offices and will last for 12 days, completing early in 2010.

CIAPS is an innovative certification service that supports best practice and continuous improvement in construction. It is available to both public and private construction clients, prime contractors and sub-contractors to improve communication and integrated working throughout supply chains. 

Paul Hackney, WMCCE Project Coordinator says:

“We are particularly pleased to have enabled this collaborative project, involving both private and public sector organisations and that the 12 participating SMEs will soon be able to gain local work contributing to their local economy.”