Benchmarking as business tool
To help develop this article, click 'Edit this article' above.
Benchmarking is a business enhancement, planning and development tool, it is widely used by the legal professions. The analysis focuses on four key areas:
- Financial performance indicators.
- Day-to-day management systems.
- Business development.
- Human resources issues.
Benchmarking provides an opportunity to assess performance against comparable businesses and gives an insight into the current business environment.
The RIBA provides a benchmarking service based on an annual survey of the UK architect’s profession. This annual benchmarking survey provides vital business knowledge about how a practise compares to others across a broad spectrum of criteria. Practises are able to make comparisons with the average data provided for practises of similar size, type and region. This allows them to identify areas of strength weakness and opportunity, and to develop a strategy that aims for improvements on a yearly basis.
Benchmarking is also a process that takes into consideration the estimated performance of a project and if costs are been compared, can highlight areas of design that do not offer good value for money. It can also aid in the assessment of tenders from suppliers and contractors, creating a baseline for a cost/ value led approach to procurement. For more information see project benchmarking.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Additionality.
- Benchmark
- Bench iT
- Business case.
- Carbon Buzz.
- Design review.
- Design quality.
- Earned value analysis.
- Experience Exchange Report EER.
- Facilities management audit FMA.
- Facility condition assessment FCA.
- Facility condition index FCI.
- Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark GRESB.
- Key performance indicators.
- Maximising maintenance budgets after lockdown.
- Project benchmarking.
- Value management techniques.
- Vested outsourcing.
- Whole-life costs.
Featured articles and news
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.