WMCCE is now nearly half way through it current Demonstration Programme of 30 projects, but is looking for more project teams who are prepared to think outside the “box” and find better, more efficient ways of working. Such teams should include clients, designers, contractors and supply chains working as integrated project teams to identify and overcome new challenges, as well as make strides towards the integration of supply chains. Successes and lessons learnt from such projects are written up as Case Studies to be shared with industry peers, so that all can benefit from the experience gained.

It is hoped that several of the West Midlands demonstration projects will be offered for the annual West Midlands Constructing Excellence Awards in the coming years. Winners of these awards may, if they wish, go on to the highly prestigious National Awards.

Demonstration projects, which are at the core of the 1998 Egan Report (“Rethinking Construction”), have consistently performed well over the 12 year period, very much better than the rest of the Construction Industry. This enables such projects to be used by the rest of the industry as models for success.

Current Demonstration Projects in the West Midlands tend to follow a standard pattern, but WMCCE is looking to modify this pattern for the greater benefit of the participants and their industry peers. As part of this approach, Benchmarking facilities are being introduced and the introduction of a regional Benchmarking Club which members can join.

For further information on Demonstration Projects in the West Midlands and Benchmarking, please contact Michael Thompson at m.thompson@wmcce.org.