The construction industry has faced severe cost pressures since 2020 and subsequent economic and market shocks have intensified this resulting in an uncertain project delivery climate across all sectors.
For schools and academies, the impacts are particularly significant due to relatively fixed capital funding and the specific operating context. The recent published Part 2 evaluation of the DfE Capital Advisers Programme found that 84% of trusts participating (51 out of 64) had experienced detrimental impacts on estate management operations due to market conditions.
Estates professionals can implement various strategies for mitigating against cost pressures. Firstly, you need to have the right information about your estate to inform robust decision making. Second, you should select and scope projects well in advance to avoid unforeseen cost increases, risks, and delays. Third, you should also consider an ‘invest to save’ approach, for example integrating energy efficiency measures within a condition project such as installing solar panels when replacing a roof, to deliver a longer-term benefit for revenue costs.
If you are thinking about projects for the summer holidays, the services of a professional building consultant will also assist you in specifying the project correctly and managing the contract and we encourage you to plan early to deliver the best outcomes and value for money.
Jon Jones
Director, MAC Construction Consultants
February 2025