Sweett : July 1, 2016 Sweett Group appointed on BCO Research Project for Civil Service Government Hubs Programme

July 1, 2016

Sweett Group plc
('Sweett Group')

Sweett Group, the provider of professional services for the construction and management of building and infrastructure projects, is appointed by the British Council of Offices (BCO) to provide multidisciplinary professional services on a 4-year research study for the Civil Service Government Hubs Programme.

The government estate comprises around 8.6M m² and offices make up approximately half of this space. The rationalisation programme will create multi-departmental hubs in around 18-20 strategic locations across the country. The requirement for space will fall between 25,000m²-60,000m² and the new hubs will typically be Grade A office space which meets BREEAM Excellent standard.

In addition to the financial savings from consolidating into large, strategically located office hubs, a key aim is to provide buildings which enable and promote new and collaborative ways of working across government. The objective is to minimise the long-term cost of occupying the government's office estate whilst obtaining modern fit-for-purpose accommodation which will be a positive influencer in the drive to reform the Civil Service.

Jenny Mac Donnell, Director of Research and Policy at the BCO said: 'We are delighted to work in partnership with the Government Property Unit (GPU) on this extensive research study. The BCO recognises this project has the potential to be the largest and most influential study of its kind within the UK and, potentially, globally'.

Sweett Group will lead a team of experts from Workplace Strategy, Ramidus, Hillbreak and Unwork to support the BCO. This significant rationalisation, productivity and workplace transformation project will bring huge benefit to staff and employees.

Regional Managing Director for London and the South East, Alan Manuel said: 'We are enormously proud to play such an integral role on this major research study that will add immense value to the government's estate across the country. The transformation project will not only influence significant cost savings, but it will also have a positive impact on health, wellbeing and productivity in the workplace.'

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For further information:

Sweett Group plc	[phone]
Alan Manuel, Regional Managing Director for London and the South East	[phone]
Josephine Guckian, Group Marketing and Communications Director	[phone]

About Sweett Group

Sweett Group is a provider of professional services for the construction and management of building and infrastructure projects. Our service supports clients through every stage of the project lifecycle based upon our expertise and local knowledge. Our strength is our people's world-class talent and expertise through which, we have time and again delivered exceptional results. By collaborative practices and innovative thinking - supported at all levels - our clients receive an offering that is constantly evolving and improving in response to project needs. www.sweettgroup.com

About the BCO

The British Council for Offices (BCO) is the UK's leading member organisation representing the interests of all those who occupy, design, build, own or manage offices in the UK. Since its inception in 1990, the BCO has provided thought leadership and best practice in all issues related to the creation and use of office space - through its research, awards, conference and events programmes. www.bco.org.uk

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