01926 633333June 15th, 2025
How we are helping lead the change.
In an industry often characterised by complexity, fragmentation, and cost overruns, the principles of Lean construction have never been more relevant. From driving efficiencies on site to embedding a culture of continuous improvement, Lean offers a proven way to do more with less – and to do it better.
That’s why we’re proud to be supporting the LCI-UK Lean Construction Summit 2025, a flagship event that brings together thought leaders, practitioners, and changemakers from across the sector. This year’s summit takes place on 25th June in Birmingham, and we’re delighted that Rob Walley, Partner at Bourton Group and LCI-UK Trustee, will be serving as Conference Chair.
“The construction sector is under increasing pressure to deliver better outcomes – economically, socially, and environmentally,” says Rob. “Lean is not just a methodology, it’s a mindset. I’m thrilled to chair this year’s summit, where we’ll explore how Lean can drive real, lasting transformation in our industry.”
The LCI-UK Summit is the ideal platform to learn, connect, and spark new thinking. With speakers from Mace, BAM, Network Rail, and more – plus practical case studies and discussion – it promises to be an inspiring day.
🎟️ Join us and be part of the change. Register here: leanconstruction.org.uk/summit
At Bourton Group, we’ve been helping construction and infrastructure organisations embed Lean for decades. Whether it’s enabling better project assurance with National Highways or delivering award-winning Lean capability programmes for Network Rail and Colas, we’ve seen first-hand the impact structured improvement can bring on performance, on people, and on outcomes.
Want to know more about the challenges facing the construction sector and the impact of Lean methodologies?
🔗 Complexity in Construction Projects
A comprehensive literature review published in Buildings (MDPI) titled “Complexity in Construction Projects: A Literature Review” provides valuable insights into the many aspects of complexity in construction projects. The study highlights key factors that contribute to project complexity, such as the number of stakeholders, scope and project goals, and management structures. These factors are crucial for understanding how complexity can cause issues like cost overruns and delays. The authors stress that a poor understanding of complexity is a major reason for the failure of construction projects.
🔗 Fragmentation in the Industry
The UK construction industry is highly fragmented, with many subcontractors and suppliers involved in projects. This fragmentation can cause communication breakdowns, misaligned goals, and inefficiencies. A report by Deloitte points out that the industry’s fragmented supply chains are fragile, especially when faced with challenges like Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
🔗 The Role of Lean Construction
Lean construction principles provide solutions to these challenges by focusing on waste reduction, better collaboration, and ongoing improvement. Applying Lean practices can boost productivity, shorten project durations, and save costs. For instance, adopting Lean methods has been linked to a 20-30% increase in productivity and a 20-50% decrease in project duration.
Further related reading – 7 Golden Rules of IPD
If you’d like to how we can help make your business better, get in touch here.