The industry's client representative body, the Construction Clients Group, started work on Monday.
The executive director is Chris Morley from the British Property Federation and its immediate priorities will be to survey clients on key issues, including Accelerating Change, the second phase of the Egan initiative.

The group will also produce a guide for the one-off and occasional construction client.

Construction minister Nigel Griffiths said he was pleased that the industry had created a cohesive public and private sector client body. He said: "I particularly welcome the emphasis on reaching as many clients as possible, so that more can capitalise from best practice."

The CCG is to review the practice of providing independent client advice, and giving workshops on issues of interest to clients.

Morley said the CCG had a healthy number of members and a good balance between public and private sector firms.

Peter Rogers, the chairman of the strategic forum, said it was essential that the industry had a strong client body that provided effective advice on best practice.

He said: "The CCG will have a vital role to play in promoting the Accelerating Change agenda across the construction industry."

The membership of the group includes the Association of University Directors, the British Property Federation, the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, the CBI, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Office of Government Commerce.