New Working Group to create digital roadmap for key UK assets

CARES is launching a high-level working group tasked with creating a new, secure, digital roadmap for major UK infrastructure projects which need certainty on the source of steel entering their supply routes.

The CARES Digital Product Working Group represents a “logical, much needed, next step” in support of product traceability set out in the Building Safety Act’s Golden Thread of Information, said Lee Brankley, CARES’ Chief Executive Officer.

Chaired by renowned environmental sustainability leader, Dr Paul Toyne, the Working Group’s terms of reference will draw on renewed clarity in government steel procurement policy, which now expressly seeks consideration of UK capability at key decision points in project scoping and procurement. Central to this will be a reliable resource for specifiers acting for clients delivering vital UK infrastructure assets in road, rail, air, health, defence, education and nuclear sectors.

Testing decision-making at crucial gateways in concept, design, procurement and installation requirements – against such a varied range of construction projects – places a significant burden on design and delivery teams. As well as a clear understanding of the source of safety critical reinforcing steel, there is a specific requirement to manage, measure and cut carbon.

Assured digital information, delivered consistently at every stage, is essential in order to achieve compliance not only with BSA requirements but the enhanced focus on product information set out in HMG Public Procurement Notice 22, ‘Procuring Steel in Government Contracts.’ Coming into effect in October, PPN 22 requires all parties to assess UK Steel’s digital catalogue at the earliest scoping stage in alignment with HMG’s industrial strategy and national security.

“This is a critical area where CARES’ proven capabilities in product traceability and reinforcing steel’s sustainability characteristics presents a ready-made digital resource which, without doubt, will assist decision-makers,” said Mr Brankley.

“By setting up the CARES Digital Product Working Group now, acting at pace under Paul’s expert leadership, we will be in a position to produce a very clear roadmap for those who need it in line with HMG’s clear policy guidance supporting the UK’s strategically important steel industry.”