Drawing on analysis from over 400 public sector projects, the research examines how the timing of contractor appointment influences cost certainty, programme performance, risk management, buildability, supply chain engagement and sustainability outcomes.
The findings explore how early collaboration genuinely changes results, and where the critical tipping points lie between influence, certainty and risk.
Alongside the research, the event will feature three panel discussions that bring the data to life through real project experience, with perspectives from clients, contractors and consultants.
Our speakers
Barney Harle
Head of Major Projects, Manchester City Council
Barney Harle
Head of Major Projects, Manchester City Council
Barney is a chartered Quantity Surveyor with a background in private sector construction and retail who has more recently worked in the public sector. In his current role he heads Manchester City Council’s Major Projects team who are responsible for construction and refurbishment of facilities in the fields of education, public realm, corporate estates, social housing and leisure. The team are currently responsible for the construction of new social housing, new schools, refurbishment of the international cycling and aquatic centres and an estate wide programme of low carbon retrofit projects to meet MCC’s net zero carbon ambitions for 2038.
Outside of work Barney is a keen cyclist who acts as chief mechanic for Tandem Trekkers a cycling club for the visually impaired and is also a regular part of the GB contingent at the World Human Powered Speed Championships.
Jo Harrop
Founder & Director, PLACED
Jo Harrop
Founder & Director, PLACED
Jo is passionate about diversifying the voices involved in the design and decision-making process in relation to the built environment, enabling the less heard voices to shape our places and spaces. Jo worked in regeneration, housing, and education, gaining significant experience working with diverse stakeholders and communities to understand complex issues within cities and neighbourhoods.
Jo established PLACED a northwest social enterprise in 2011 to deliver creative, accessible, creative programmes that enable people to meaningfully engage with and shape their built environment. She leads the team on strategic delivery and direction of programmes and partnerships. PLACED works with clients from local authorities and City Regions, to housing associations and design teams, and advocates for genuine involvement in the design of places.
Trevor Stephen
CEO, Mindflow
Trevor Stephen
CEO, Mindflow
Trevor Steven is a former professional footballer with a career spanning 17 years in the top-flight, playing for Burnley, Everton, Glasgow Rangers and Olympique de Marseille. During his illustrious career, Trevor won 36 England Caps and was part of the 1986 and 1990 World Cup squad.
Since retiring from the playing side of football in 1997, Trevor stayed within the sport, working in broadcast and media. Following a spell working in the Middle East, in 2020 Trevor joined Causeway Technologies, a leading provider of software and services for the construction and maintenance industry, as a Mental Health Ambassador to help project the spotlight onto mental health in the construction industry and campaign for positive change.
Today, Trevor is Chief Executive Officer of Mindflow, a charity founded by Causeway Technologies, committed to championing positive mental health in the construction industry by harnessing the power of football.
Lisa Taylor
Executive Director, Future of Greater Manchester
Lisa Taylor
Executive Director, Future of Greater Manchester
Lisa set up Future of GM in 2020 after six years leading influential Future of London. She focuses on FoGM strategy, connection, content design and consultancy, directs our place leadership programmes, and is a sought-after facilitator and coach. Prior to FoL, she was project director for international TV and events.
Julian Cobley
Director, Arcadis
Julian Cobley
Director, Arcadis
Julian Cobley is a senior director at Arcadis with extensive experience across local government and the private sector, specialising in digital transformation, economic growth, and strategic partnerships. He has held senior leadership roles at Cheshire County Council and Cheshire East Council, led ICT infrastructure across Europe and emerging markets, and served as Partnership Director at Equans. Now Regional Accounts Director for Local Government in the North West at Arcadis, Julian works closely with public sector leaders to tackle complex societal and environmental challenges and create better places for communities. He is also a long-standing trustee and governor of Crewe UTC.
Phil Higham
Director, RealWorth
Phil Higham
Director, RealWorth
Phil Higham is Director and Co-Founder of RealWorth, bringing extensive experience in balancing the commercial and practical aspects of real estate development with the wider social benefits of responsible development. He has advised on large urban extensions, major brownfield projects, and building in-house social value expertise, and led the authorship of the RICS Code of Practice on Responsible Business.
Limited places available. Book your place today.
This event launches the findings from a Government backed study into Early Contractor Involvement. Be the first to discover the cost and programme impact of ECI on public sector projects.
Book TicketsAgenda
08:00 - 09:00
Registration & Networking
09:00 - 09:10
Welcome and Housekeeping
09:10 - 09:25
Keynote Speaker
Trevor Steven,
CEO, Mindflow
09:25 - 09:50
National research briefing: Exploring the impact of early contractor involvement in public sector projects
09:50 - 10:00
Comfort Break
10:00 - 10:30
Mandating early contractor involvement
This panel will explore the impact of mandating early contractor involvement across public sector schemes
Barney Harle,
Head of Major Projects, Manchester City Council
Mike Lane,
Director, Willmott Dixon
Chaired By Robbie Blackhurst,
Chair of CCBP
10:30 - 11:00
Enabling/Delivering early contractor involvement
This panel will explore how to, and how not to, deliver ECI.
Adrian Blackie,
BAM
Julian Cobley,
Director, Arcadis
11:00 - 11:15
Comfort Break
11:15 - 11:45
Measuring the benefits of early contractor involvement
This panel will take a view of the benefits and drawbacks of early contractor involvement
Jo Harrop,
Founder & Director, PLACED
Tim Clement,
Morgan Sindall
Phil Higham,
Director, RealWorth
Chaired By Lisa Taylor,
Executive Director, Future of Greater Manchester
11:45 - 12:00
Keynote
Lisa Taylor,
Executive Director, Future of Greater Manchester
Trevor Steven,
CEO, Mindlfow
12:30 - 13:00
Closing Remarks & Networking
Book Tickets
This event launches the findings from a Government backed study into Early Contractor Involvement. Be the first to discover the cost and programme impact of ECI on public sector projects.