The information from the industry-wide consultation on the proposed Code for Construction Product Information is still being processed and analysed, but preliminary data shows excellent engagement from across the construction industry.
The consultation, to which the whole industry were invited to respond, gave manufacturers, distributors, specifiers and users of product information an opportunity to comment on the new Code, the implementation of its 11 Clauses, and its proposed ongoing management and policing.
The consultation was undertaken for the CPA by MRA Research, an independent market research company and MRS accredited Company Partner. In total, more than 200 responses have been received so far, including comprehensive feedback from 33 trade associations representing well over 10,000 member companies. The trade association responses provided in-depth and detailed comments and suggestions on behalf of their members.
Although the official deadline for submissions was 31st March, entries are still coming in. Given the importance of a new Code these are also being included in the analysis while sectors that have engaged less are being encouraged to submit their views.
Preliminary results show that only 1% are opposed to the Code, while 73% of respondents said the proposed Code either almost or completely meets their expectations. Just under 90% of providers of construction product information and trade associations said it’s important for their company or their members to comply with the new Code.
Adam Turk, Chair of the CPA’s Marketing Integrity Group and CEO of Siderise says: “We’re delighted with the industry’s engagement to the Consultation and the detail and breadth of feedback, which the wider team are currently working through. The range of feedback provides us with important insight into the specific challenges different organisations at all levels may face.
“The consultation aims to ensure that every view is heard in equal measure, and so we encourage that all feedback is through the formalised consultation process so we can gather the many responses effectively. We are continuing to seek the views of sectors who’ve left it to others to speak for them or just have not engaged to a significant degree. They also matter and we are making strenuous efforts to include their views.
“We are pleased to see that the majority of respondents do indeed support the proposed Code for Construction Product Information, and in its current format too,” continues Adam. “The comments provided however, highlight a need for clarification around some areas of the Code, together with useful consideration to some of the specific detail, and are giving us food for thought around some concerns and topics for further discussion. These will be addressed in the coming months. We always recognised that more work would be required and the industry’s input is a fantastic sense check for us.”
The data is currently being validated and analysed by MRA Research and the full report will be released in due course. Feedback from individuals and Trade Associations will be reported separately, because the huge volume of helpful detail requires a more qualitative analysis.
