Support services in the construction industry
Support services are activities required for the successful completion of processes, programmes, or projects.
They can be provided by a supplier in support of a product that they have supplied (such as technical support or maintenance), or can be provided by independent third parties support providers.
Third party support services can include consultancy services such as:
- Dispute resolution.
- Design and project management.
- Value and risk management.
- Health and safety advice.
- Business planning.
- Due diligence.
- Change management.
As a consequence, many of the consultancy-based companies in the construction industry are categorised as ‘support services’.
Contractors may also offer services to clients in addition to construction, that can be described as 'support services', such as:
- Facilities management.
- Operation and maintenance.
- Plant and equipment hire.
- Logistics management.
- Waste management.
- Cost estimating.
- Health and safety training.
- Security services.
- IT management.
- Logistics management.
NB The glossary of statistical terms, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), state: ‘Entities providing support services to other educational institutions include institutions that provide educational support and materials as well as operation and maintenance services for buildings. These are commonly part of the general-purpose units of public authorities.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.