Demo Projects
What is a Demo Project?
The Welsh Demonstration Programme is an integral part of the UK Programme which was established in 1998 and has proven to be an excellent vehicle for the capture and dissemination of best practice knowledge in the built environment sector.
Demonstrations are live construction projects, organisations or initiatives that are innovating or applying an element of best practice that it is hoped will lead to a step-change in performance for the participating organisations.
Constructing Excellence in Wales use the learning captured from the Demonstration Programme to influence industry change. We find that nothing can really compare to highlighting practice from real projects and organisations. Project participants commit to learning and sharing from, and with, each other. They are also able to take part in communities of best practice which bring together like-minded individuals from across various different Demonstrations.
Demonstrations must also agree to measure their performance with Key Performance Indicators and are given the opportunity to present at Constructing Excellence events on a regular basis. The demonstration project programme was first established in 1998.
Since then:
- Over 600 projects have been recruited
- Over 1300 organisations UK wide have been involved
- Projects have had a value of over £9.5bn
- 130 case studies and 60 associated reports and publications have been produced
Why become a Demo?
The main reason to become a demonstration project is amply illustrated by the graph below, but to put it simply: they perform better. The main reason for this is that the mindset of those participating in the programme is a desire for improvement by seeking and sharing Best Practice. They are prepared to measure and identify current performance and make improvements where necessary.
Two further benefits are worth highlighting:
Firstly there are the marketing and PR advantages that participating in the process can bring.
In support of this, Constructing Excellence will…
- Endeavour to get articles and features on Demonstrations placed in the construction press
- Produce a Case Study for all projects that go through the Demonstration process
- Allow all Demonstrations the use of a logo denoting themselves as such
- Ensure that all project teams get sufficient opportunity to showcase their projects at CE events
The second benefit of the process that Demonstrations regularly identify is that of the opportunity to participate in a learning and sharing network.
The main vehicle for this is the Best Practice Clubs and the Demonstration Events associated with them.
How to become a Demo
If you would like to apply for Demonstration Status then simply download and complete the straightforward application form and return it to Ed Evans, Exemplar and Demonstration Programme Director, by email or post.
Step 1
Download the CEW Demo application form
Step 2
Fill in the form and return by email
Alternatively you can give Ed a call or email him and he will arrange to meet you.
What happens next?
Ed will follow up your application with a face to face meeting at which he will discuss the suitability of your project. What follows then is a two stage process.
You will be asked to present your project to a local Best Practice Club who will evaluate the presentation not on what you are doing but how you intend to deliver your stated objectives.
If successful, the project will then go for endorsement by a Welsh Government led Panel of industry leaders.
Throughout the process, the emphasis is on support and sharing Best Practice. Indeed we will endeavour to link you to available Best Practice and expertise should you require it. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
