Constructionline appoints Citypress ahead of re-launch

Constructionline – the government-endorsed register of pre-qualified contractors and consultants – has appointed Citypress to handle its public relations brief ahead of a major re-launch of the service later this year.

Backed by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and operated by outsourcing group Capita, Constructionline provides a single database of certified suppliers to help organisations build tender lists when awarding construction contracts, predominantly in the public sector.

It aims to reduce administration costs for suppliers and buyers by eliminating the duplication of so-called pre-qualification questionnaires.

The service, which is to be re-launched through a UK-wide regional roadshow starting in May, will include enhanced functionality for online users as well as improvements to its database, such as better linkage with other e-procurement schemes to further reduce duplication.

Citypress' London and Manchester-based built environment team will run the brief, which includes stakeholder engagement, media relations and direct-to-user communications.

Last year, the number of suppliers registering with Constructionline increased 13 per cent to a total of 16,700 as the volume of government-funded contracts rose and privately-funded projects slowed.

The number of new clients adopting the service – which includes NHS, local authorities, police forces and universities – also increased 25 per cent to 1,900 in the same period.

Philip Prince, sales and marketing director at Constructionline, said: "Cost pressures on the industry, together with the changing mix of public and private sector orders, are encouraging a growing number of suppliers and buyers to adopt Constructionline as a business improvement tool. It's crucial that we capitalise on this renewed interest pre- and post-launch and consolidate our position as the industry's leading certified register."

"This is a complex and dynamic sector. Citypress has a clear understanding of the policy framework, the industry landscape and the increasing relevance of pre-qualification in today’s market."

Citypress director Martin Currie said: "The key objectives of our programme are to communicate the direct cost-benefits achieved by those using the scheme and position Constructionline as 'best in class' amongst the industry's opinion formers. We’ll be using a mixture of statistical-led news, user testimonial and thought leadership to drive industry-wide support, targeting suppliers and buyers directly and via industry bodies, client groups and specialist media."