Foreword

The directory has quickly become established as a unique reference document for the latest information on companies supplying quality off-site construction solutions into the UK construction market. It is an invaluable source of project guidance and technical information from leading industry specialists on the issues that must be addressed to get the best out of off-site construction methods – and how to use these methods to deliver additional client value.

As chairman of Buildoffsite I am hugely encouraged to see the rapid expansion in the number of off-site suppliers making their products and expertise available to the UK market. As the directory indicates, the UK has become the focus both for an unprecedented increase in home-grown manufacturing talent and investment and as a priority marketplace for leading overseas producers. This indicates rising levels of confidence among suppliers and users, with every indication growth is set to continue.

The growing demand for off-site construction methods should come as no surprise. One only has to look at the construction programmes of our leading repeat clients to see that the case for transferring construction from an exclusively site-based activity to one where manufacturing is increasingly undertaken under factory conditions, where levels of quality and productivity can be assured, is proven. Indeed, for many it has become the business and project norm. Such clients understand the need to work closely with their suppliers from the start of project planning to ensure that the special skills and knowledge of the manufacturer can be applied to improve client value. They also understand the importance of long-term relationships with suppliers to support continuous improvement. There is, however, a world of difference between the expert knowledge of off-site methods on offer to leading clients, and the more limited experience and knowledge likely to be available to one-off clients and their advisers.

The challenge is to promote increased awareness of the benefitsof off-site methods andwhat it takes to realisethose benefits

The challenge is for Buildoffsite and those organisations who support a step-change in the use of off-site methods to work together to increase industry awareness of both the benefits that off-site methods can deliver and of what it takes to realise these benefits. Much needs to be done to address these challenges and although none is impossibly onerous, in order to move towards a more modern industry, clients, their advisers and constructors will need to rethink their relationship with the supply-chain and their own working methods. Some will need to revisit a number of popular misconceptions about off-site construction methods.

For many, the challenge of adopting new practices will be synonymous with risk taking, so we must prove the business and project case for off-site methods. Positive examples can debunk the myth that off-site construction methods are too inflexible to accommodate excellence in design. Many constructors lack practical experience of incorporating off-site manufactured systems into site-based assembly. Much can be gained from involving the off-site supplier from the outset.

In spite of the challenges, I am convinced we can keep constructing better buildings which offer value for money and low environmental impact. These practical issues are addressed in this publication and are key themes for Buildoffsite. Perhaps you should join us?