Changing the narrative around MMC

Despite their potential to revolutionise the construction industry, modern methods of construction (MMC) have been held back in recent years in part by a negative public image. Indeed, promising construction methods have fallen out of favour of late, as MMC continue to be attached to a notion of riskiness.

 Yet, this tainted perception could be remedied through improved communications, argues a recently released study led by Dr Ali Saad, lecturer in construction engineering and project management at Loughborough University. In the paper, Dr Saad and his co-authors set out a series of steps that could help boost the adoption of MMC in the public and private sectors.

Why is MMC struggling?

Modern methods of construction (MMC) are a range of building methods designed to be more efficient and effective than traditional construction techniques.

Although these methods are supported by the latest research, many industry insiders remain wary of MMC. In the paper, Dr Saad and co-authors elaborate on many of the main problems that contribute to MMC’s negative image, including poor communication around what MMC is, a planning system that misaligns with the manufacturing approach, and unfair value comparisons.

Moreover, in the wake of some high-profile business failures in the sector, notably the recent insolvencies of Ilke Homes, Caledonian Modular and Module-AR, they suggest that confidence in MMC has been harmed further by how these failures are portrayed in the media.

Steps to improve MMC’s image

To turn things around, the researchers suggest, will require flipping the narrative. In response to the problems, the paper makes several key recommendations, including:

1. Standardising systems among MMC providers
2. Developing a nationwide exemplar source with successes and failures
3. Implementing a fair and robust longitudinal comparison criterion
4. Modifying public procurement practices to allow a relationship history with MMC organisations to develop
5. Developing a new MMC descriptive glossary featuring the key terms used in MMC design, manufacturing, production, transportation, and assembly
6. Favouring planning policies that promote rewarding change
7. Collaborating across the different MMC phases in realisation of pre-manufactured value.

In the introduction, Saad writes that: “The key recommendations presented in this practice paper aim to challenge MMC organisations, clients, and the government to rethink the ways they portray and drive confidence.”

With the enormous gains in efficiency and speed that modern methods of construction offer, the potential rewards are huge. If the authors are correct, changing how MMC are presented and integrated into the wider industry could make an enormous difference in building a greener future in the UK.