Simon Report
The Simon Report ‘The Placing and Management of Building Contracts’ was prepared by the Simon Committee, chaired by Sir Ernest Simon. The Simon Report was commissioned to investigate how the placing and management of contracts could improve the efficiency of the construction industry. It was published in 1944 and is seen by many as the first in a long line of major, public reports criticising the modern construction industry in the UK.
The report was prepared at a time when most construction projects in the UK followed a traditional procurement path, where design and construction were separated. Sometimes referred to as 'Design Bid Build', the design of the project was completed before the construction contract was tendered, often by open, competitive tendering.
Even at this time however, some new procurement methods were being used, partly due to American influences, and Simon recognised that “...it has become impossible for any single Architect or Builder to have specialist knowledge and experience to deal effectively with all the new processes…… as a result specialist firms are operating on a substantial scale engaged under differing terms and conditions and to differing standards.” As early as 1944 Simon estimated that two thirds of construction work was carried out by specialist firms.
The report criticised the practice of open tendering (allowing anyone to tender for a construction contract rather than using a pre-qualification process to create a short-list of suitable companies that would then be invited to tender) and suggested that the tendency of clients to simply accept the cheapest price created a situation where tenderers would submit low bids, and then make up their income by reducing quality or making claims. The report also recommended better training of construction managers and a more collaborative approach to design and construction with earlier contractor involvement.
However, the Simon Report had little impact and attempts to implement its recommendations were overshadowed by the demand for rapid reconstruction in post-war Britain.
In 1948 Simon published a second report ‘The Distribution of Building Materials and Components’ which focussed on supply-side issues in the industry.
In 1950, The Phillips Report on Building by The Working Party Report to the Minister of Works was published. This was followed in 1962 by the next major report into the construction industry, the Emmerson Report, ‘Survey of Problems Before the Construction Industries’.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.