Construction management in a hardening market

In the last year to year and a half, we have noticed clear changes in how the contracting market is behaving. Talking with clients and our supply chain shows the same trend: more financial pressure, tighter margins and ongoing uncertainty are making everyone more cautious about risk. Issues that used to be solved through teamwork now often turn into contract disputes. There is less flexibility, firmer positions and less willingness to handle changes.

For clients using traditional JCT Design & Build contracts, it is now harder than ever to choose the right partner and, once work begins, to stay on track with time, cost, and quality. Because of these changes, we are getting more questions about JCT Construction Management.

The challenge facing Design & Build in the current climate

Design & Build is still a common and often suitable way to procure projects. Having one main point of responsibility can be appealing, especially for clients who want less daily involvement. But in today’s tough market, contractors are focused on protecting their businesses, finances and supply chains.

This can lead to:

• Firmer transfer of risk back to the client

• Higher allowances and contingencies

• Reduced willingness to accommodate change

• Increased reliance on contractual notices

• Greater likelihood of claims and counterclaims

  
  

When this happens, the relationship can feel more transactional than collaborative and having one main point of responsibility may not actually make delivery any smoother.

Why Construction Management is gaining attention

Construction Management offers a completely different setup. Instead of passing risk to one main contractor, the client signs direct contracts with trade contractors. The Construction Manager acts as a professional adviser, handling planning, coordination, cost control, and managing the schedule for the client.

Right now, the benefits of this model are standing out:

• Clear visibility of how packages are procured and priced

• Greater influence over trade contractor selection

• Real-time cost transparency

• Open discussion of issues before they escalate

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In short, this means fewer surprises and more control.

Transparency encourages better outcomes

When the supply chain is involved directly and contracts are made openly for each package, the way everyone works together changes.

Trade contractors are chosen for their skills, attitude and value, not just to pass on risk. This usually leads to earlier involvement, more realistic prices and a team approach to solving problems instead of blaming others.

From what we have seen, this setup naturally leads to better teamwork.

“Doesn’t CM mean more work for the client?”

While Construction Management does mean paying trade contractors directly, the extra paperwork is often less than people expect. With good systems and support, the process is predictable and efficient.

Bespoke can adjust our Construction Management role to match how involved each client wants to be.

We can:

• Manage valuations and payment processes in full.

• Provide detailed verification and recommendations.

• Operate alongside internal client teams where greater control is preferred.

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For most clients, the process is no harder than certifying payments in a traditional setup, but it gives you much more visibility.

Managing risk through planning and early engagement

Construction Management does not hide risk in a lump sum, and it would not be right to say otherwise. Instead, it makes risks clear earlier in the process.

When projects are well planned, budgets are realistic, and key trade contractors are involved early, uncertainties are found sooner and managed together. This makes it less likely for problems to show up late in the project, when they are more costly.

Many disputes in Design & Build happen because risks are passed on, priced defensively, and only fully understood after work has started. Getting everyone involved early is what makes the difference.

A structured route to better delivery

When managed well, JCT Construction Management builds a culture where everyone shares responsibility. The focus moves from asking “whose risk is this?” to “how do we solve it?”

That mindset typically leads to:

• Stronger working relationships

• Faster decision-making

• Improved cost awareness

• Reduced confrontation

• Higher quality outcomes

  
  

It lets clients stay involved without feeling overwhelmed, as professional Construction Management supports them every step of the way.

Growing interest from informed clients

Because of today’s market, more organisations are looking into whether Construction Management can offer a more open and collaborative way forward. Many start with early conversations to clarify roles, make sure costs are clear, and set up good governance.

These conversations are happening more often, and for good reason.

Construction Management is not the best fit for every project, but when transparency, flexibility and teamwork matter most, it can offer big advantages over traditional methods.

If you are planning a project and want to see if JCT Construction Management could work for you, Bespoke would be happy to talk about how we can tailor the approach to fit your goals and preferred level of involvement.

If you're would like to find out more about our approach, please get in touch.