The British Property Federation has set up a body to replace the Confederation of Construction Clients, which was wound up late last year
BPF construction director Chris Morley said it would provide a two-man secretariat for the body, to be called the Construction Clients Group.

Morley said the organisation would have more members than the previous body and would cater for private clients through umbrella bodies.

He said: "The Construction Clients Group is open to all organisations that can prove they have substantial client membership, but we are also trying to target high-profile, one-off clients, such as Arsenal football club and their new stadium."

Morley emphasised that the CCG would have fewer barriers to entry than its predecessor. He said: "The body is free to all members. We hope to provide guidance and advice to clients in a business-friendly manner."

He said that the existing clients' charter would be replaced with guidance over how to get started as a construction client.

Morley said the body rejected the Egan view that clients must take a lead in the construction process. He said: "We want to be proactive and consult the industry, but to lead the supply chain and make demands would take the responsibility away from the industry."

Former BAA director Mike Roberts is to chair the body temporarily and will take up a seat to represent clients on the strategic forum.

Members of new clients鈥� group

  • Association of University Directors
  • Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply
  • Heritage Lottery Fund
  • Office of Government Commerce
  • Federation of Small Businesses
  • DTI
  • British Property Federation
  • CBI
  • National Housing Federation
  • Institute of Directors
  • Local Government Association
  • Local Government Taskforce