Reducing barriers to MMC – new guidance
Join us in London at this free event to learn about the new BUILDOFFSITE/CIRIA guidance on the development of functional specifications to reduce barriers to offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction (MMC).
Background
The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy – Construction Sector Deal – recommended a renewed focus on:
- MMC and offsite manufacturing technologies
- whole life asset performance.
It is widely acknowledged that in the UK traditional construction methods typically remain the ‘go to’ solution adopted across the industry. Offsite manufacture and MMC has been shown to bring measurable benefit from a ‘systems’ approach and the ability to create multifunctional and repeatable elements which can be manufactured at a production level.
BUILDOFFSITE Client Group identified a key barrier to the increased adoption of offsite manufacture and MMC is the degree of detail which is typically provided in procurement documentation whether commissioning design services or a tender stage when selecting constructors and suppliers. This level of detail can inadvertently lead towards traditional construction practice as a default and create barriers to the adoption of offsite manufacture and MMC.
To counter this, offsite and MMC bidders invest significant time creating unique solutions, only to discover bids are non-compliant because the maturity of initial information is framed around traditional construction practice. From a client perspective this discourages innovation and hinder the opportunities to bring the benefits of ‘tooled-up/ investing in tooling-up’ manufacturing technologies into play.
In response to this identified need, CIRIA and BUILDOFFSITE have produced a guide to developing appropriate forms of functional specification which would not act as a barrier to the adoption of offsite manufacturing and MMC.
This in-person event will provide insight into the new guidance and how it will enable primarily clients and those procuring new buildings and infrastructure to produce specifications which are suitable for use across sectors but can be specialised for particular disciplines and maximise the benefits available from the offsite market.
Special offer
All attendees will qualify for a 20% discount off Using performance specifications for offsite construction projects - guidance (X540) for a limited period. The promotional code will be communicated with the joining instructions pre-event.
Sponsorship opportunities
For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tam Simmons.
Why attend
- Discover what should and should not be framed in a functional specification to avoid creating unintentional barriers.
- Learn the principles for defining functional requirements.
- Determine the extent of detail to be included in commissioning/tender documentation so as not to constrain/lead constructors/suppliers/designers to adopt traditional construction practice.
- Identify routes for maximising the use of functional specifications across sectors.
- Exploit lessons learnt by prior projects and focus on areas where product development is happening throughout the supply chain.
- Participate in an interactive Q&A session with the authors of the guidance.
- Earn valuable CPD.
Who should attend
- Clients, and those procuring new buildings and infrastructure
- Designers, suppliers, and constructors wishing to creatively engage with offsite manufacturing and MMC
When
Tuesday 1 July 2025
14:30 – 17:00
Programme
14:30 Registration and networking
15:00 Welcome and member update
Dirk Vennix, Executive Director, BOS
Introduction to the guide
Nigel Fraser, Industry Advisor, BOS
15:15 Client perspective
Calum Barrett, Head of Construction Engineering & Assurance,
Transport for London
15:35 Designer perspective
Natalia Maximova, Associate Partner and Design Director, Sheppard Robson
15:55 Manufacturer perspective
David Johnson, Director of Pre-Construction UK,
Volumetric Building Companies
16:15 Contractor perspective
Nigel Fraser, Industry Advisor, BOS
16:35 Interactive discussion and Q&A
16:55 Closing remarks
Where
Transport for London
14 Pier Walk
North Greenwich
London
SE10 0ES
Fees
CIRIA and BOS members Free to attend
Non-members Free to attend
Booking
Please sign in or create an account to register online for this event.
If you are experiencing issues registering online, please complete and return the booking form to Charlotte Draper.
Alternatively please contact us on 07933 181 765 or email our Customer Services team.
Joining instructions will be sent ten days and one day before the event.
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Further information
For further information on CIRIA membership and other services, please contact:
Telephone: 07933 181 765
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ciria.org
Registration
Registration is closed. Please email [email protected] if you wish to attend this event.