When prices are falling so quickly, owing to lack of workload and competition to secure projects, it is disingenuous to hear clients such as Tesco being criticised for taking advantage of their position

Ground workers, steel or cladding contractors, main contractors and consultants as well all need to be challenged and asked to contribute to a lower cost of delivery.

We have been a partner in the Tesco stable for only a few months. Before we joined, we were very concerned about their reputation as a brutal procurement business. What has transpired is that they are methodical and consultative but focused on their ultimate end position. This makes them a good client.

They have a core team that they work with and allocate work to in a systematic way. With this comes transparency of workload, and systemic initiatives to collaborate and innovate, to reduce cost, optimise time and improve quality – a good example of the Latham/Egan principles of team delivery.

Tesco is a commercial operation, run very well and making tough commercial decisions. In this market we need more companies like that

Paul Hodgkinson, Simons Group

They are, when all is said and done, a commercial operation, run very well and making tough commercial decisions. In this market we need more companies like Tesco.

Paul Hodgkinson, chairman and chief executive, Simons Group

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