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Two-thirds of contractors to increase MMC use post covid
Image: Dreamstime/Alexander-Kondriianenko
Nearly two thirds of contractors (65%) plan to incorporate a greater percentage of modern methods of construction (MMC) into their projects as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.
That’s according to the autumn 2020 market report, Holding
Steady, published by consultant Gleeds.
Gleeds noted that the construction industry had adopted a
collaborative approach to keep things moving, with the adoption of innovative
construction approaches such as MMC and maximising the use of digital tools to
ensure the cost-efficient shutdown and reopening of sites.
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Contractors have found alternative ways of working in
response to social distancing measures, with 72% of contractors who responded
to a Gleeds survey saying their site productivity was now back to 80-100%, with
94% expecting levels to hold steady or increase, notwithstanding another
national lockdown.
Source: Gleeds
Some 39% of respondents to the Gleeds survey found that
tender opportunities had decreased over the last quarter, with 67% of them expecting
tender opportunities to remain at the same level or decrease further over the
next period.
The survey also found that 64% of tender returns were “roughly”
on budget, with the remaining returns under budget (18%) and over budget (18%).
Gleeds said there was some evidence of competitive pricing for schemes that are
due to start soon and have a quick programme.
For more complex projects or those with a longer programme,
a wider range of returns are being seen as contractors assess materials and
labour costs against decreased demand. 64% of contractors who responded said
that they are seeing supply chain movement on previously agreed prices where
projects have been delayed or postponed. 78% of contractors said that
disruption to the supply chain is resulting in shortages of key materials and
giving rise to price increases.
Contractors were also asked to rank the acceptability of
different procurement and tendering routes in the current market. A negotiated
route came out top with a score of 96%. That was followed by two-stage design
and build at 78%, single stage traditional at 55%, management contracts also at
55%, and single-stage design and build at 43%.
The report concluded: “The construction industry has
demonstrated great resilience over the past quarter, with a notable increase in
levels of collaboration to keep developments of the UK's urban centres moving
forwards.
“As we head towards the end of 2020, flexibility,
adaptability, collaboration and innovation will continue to be key watchwords
to help the construction industry navigate choppy waters.”
The January/February 2026 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
Powered Access
CM, in partnership with IPAF, has launched a new survey to explore the industry’s views and experiences with powered access machines on construction projects.
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