Troubled contractor vetting service Constructionline has reported a 25% rise in the number of public sector bodies that use it.
More than 100,000 longlists and specific inquiries were made in the 12 months to June 2003, a 25% increase on two years ago. In addition, Constructionline has been awarded ISO 9000:2000 quality management certification by the British Standards Institute after it demonstrated that it was running an acceptable service. Constructionline was praised in April by the local government taskforce for improving its service.

Constructionline director Simon Kellaway said he was delighted by his firm's increased popularity.

However, the Association of Consulting Engineers says that its members are still concerned about the effectiveness of Constructionline.

A year ago, a survey of ACE members revealed widespread discontent with the service and warned that it could withdraw support.

Robert Osborne, ACE acting chief executive, said he supported the principles that underpinned Constructionline and remained committed to reducing the number of tender forms consultants were required to complete to work in the public sector.

But he added: "It is clear that Constructionline has yet to achieve this aim."