Constructing Excellence merges with BRE

On 19 August 2016 it was announced that Constructing Excellence would merge with BRE. Ref BRE, Constructing Excellence merges with BRE.

BRE (The Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries. Its head office is in Watford and it has regional offices in Scotland and Wales.

Constructing Excellence (CE) is ‘…a cross-sector, cross-supply chain, member led organisation operating for the good of industry and its stakeholders.’ It was one of a number of bodies established in response to the Latham Report (Constructing the Team 1994) and the Egan Report (Rethinking Construction 1998). Its 80 members include; clients, contractors, consultants, suppliers and manufacturers.

The decision by the board of Constructing Excellence to merge with BRE is intended to help grow its membership, extend its impact on the industry and establish a Constructing Excellence Foundation under the BRE Trust to use CE profits for research and education for the benefit of its members.

BRE will maintain the CE brands, develop its network and enhance its capacity in the development of digital tools, training and events and international reach. Don Ward will continue as CE Chief Executive, and CE’s existing team will relocate to BRE’s headquarters in Watford.

Ward said, “Joining with BRE gives us access to new resources and markets that we require to develop our membership, benchmarking and training services for the UK and international networks. It means that we can plan for the future with a new level of vision and confidence, and devote our energies to member content, thought leadership and sector influence.”

Peter Bonfield, CEO of BRE said, “Constructing Excellence has always represented a movement for positive change, harnessing the energy and commitment of many hundreds of organisations at a regional and national level. Both BRE and CE are trusted and independent brands who have worked very closely together for many years - the synergies are strong. But most importantly we share the core objective of creating a better built environment for all.”

Sean Jeffery, Executive Director of Kier Infrastructure & Utilities said, “…we see this merger as a positive move to help rationalise industry improvement initiatives and deliver more value for us as a major contractor. Together CE and BRE will be able to deploy sector-leading strengths in BIM, collaborative working, procurement and sustainability supported by training and benchmarking services, and we look forward to working in partnership for mutual improvement.”