Offsite Accelerator for SMEs

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**The project proposes an 'Offsite Accelerator' for SMEs**Supporting the UK construction SME supply chain to increase work offsite to meet the demands of the Construction Leadership Council's (CLC) 'Site Operating Procedures' for safe working amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.In the case of the construction industry, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted how the usual way of construction work -- a highly transient, high population workforce that mobilises to sites, and moves between sites on a weekly basis - is largely unsustainable, especially for the SME supply chain. The reliance on site-based labour increases movements to and from sites and makes working whilst maintaining social distancing close to impossible.With postponed operations likely to affect the workforce for months, SMEs are in an extremely vulnerable position, and unlikely to be able to support their workforces through this period.This project creates a catalyst opportunity to drive innovation into SME supply chains and transform towards flexible, resilient, offsite focused delivery models which allow individuals or small teams within SMEs to progress works whilst keeping safe. However, cashflow, experience and expertise are still out of reach for SMEsOur Offsite Accelerator will leverage Mace's highly experienced technical, design, delivery and commercial resources to help SMEs shift towards Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) business models through collaborative development and trial of offsite sub-assemblies.In the short term, adopting offsite methods will enable SMEs to return to work faster and continue to work during Covid19 restrictions.In both the short and long-term, the project aims to divert 30% of labour away from sites to maintain social distancing, and move towards a more resilient business model that meets both the needs of the industry and the wider needs of society.