Yesterday’s BOPAS Forum and Laing O’Rourke Factory Tour was more than just an event—it was a powerful reminder of how Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) can transform our built environment for the better. Held at Laing O’Rourke’s cutting-edge manufacturing facility, the day brought together experts, innovators, and passionate advocates for change.
Kicking off the day, we had the pleasure of welcoming attendees to one of the UK’s most advanced construction manufacturing facilities. Laing O’Rourke’s warm hospitality—and their commitment to innovation—set the perfect stage for the important conversations that followed.
Setting the Scene: Why BOPAS Matters
We began with a reminder of why BOPAS was created. Launched in 2013 to address lender concerns around innovative construction, BOPAS gives assurance that homes built using MMC are mortgageable for at least 60 years. It’s not just a tick-box exercise; it’s about building confidence in quality, durability, and investment.
BUILDOFFSITE, a founding partner of BOPAS, has spent over two decades championing offsite and pre-manufactured solutions. Our mission remains clear: to normalise MMC and break down the barriers that are holding the sector back.
Celebrating Accreditation: Recognising Excellence
One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of BOPAS Accreditation certificates to four leading organisations that are at the forefront of driving innovation and quality in the sector:
🏆 Trident Modular
🏆 Reds 10
🏆 Saint-Gobain
🏆 Hadley Frame
These companies exemplify the commitment to delivering high-quality, durable, and mortgageable homes using MMC. Their dedication to excellence and innovation helps to build the confidence that the housing sector—and the wider public—need to embrace offsite construction as a core part of our future.
A Global Growth Story—But Where’s the UK’s Strategy?
A key theme emerged as we looked at international growth rates. Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Canada, and Singapore are seizing opportunities with coherent policies and national strategies. Meanwhile, in the UK, a House of Lords report has criticised the lack of a joined-up approach.
This gap matters. Rachel Reeves’ recent £39 billion housing boost, outlined in The Guardian (10 June 2025), signals a shift in government focus. But unless that money is matched with a clear policy framework and regulatory support, the sector risks being stuck in the same cycle five years from now.
Collaboration, Downtime, and the BOS Manifesto
We introduced the BOS Manifesto—our rallying cry to unite government, industry, and investors in creating an environment where MMC can thrive. From robust accreditation to shared capacity frameworks, we need to foster collaboration that goes beyond lip service.
That’s why BUILDOFFSITE’s Downtime Sprint Initiative is so important. With too many factories running below capacity, especially among SMEs, we’re working to fill those gaps and turn idle time into opportunity. Our survey aims to design a Downtime Sprint Framework to support manufacturers—building resilience even when government policy is slow to catch up.
A Glimpse Into the Future
We also looked ahead to our plans for the Chelsea Flower Show 2027, where we’ll showcase a SuDS garden in collaboration with Refolo Landscape Architects, CIRIA, and Future Water. It’s a chance to put water, resilience, and sustainability front and centre—and to show the public what offsite innovation can do beyond factory walls.
Driving Change—And a Call for Action
The panel discussion—featuring experts from Studio Partington, Laing O’Rourke, Hadley Group, and Arup—tackled the sector’s biggest questions: digital innovation, design flexibility, and the need for policy and regulation. One thing was clear: without strong policy, MMC will continue to face the same barriers that have held it back for decades.
As we toured Laing O’Rourke’s remarkable facility—witnessing automation, robotics, and sustainable practices like 50% reduced concrete use and a target of 70% MMC on public sector work—it was clear that the technology and the talent are already here. What’s missing is the policy clarity and consistent regulation that can give industry the confidence to invest, scale, and deliver at pace.
A Final Thought
As Rachel Reeves prepares to allocate billions to housing, let’s remember: money alone won’t build the future we need. It’s time for joined-up regulation, strong frameworks, and collaboration across government, industry, and investors. Otherwise, we risk facing the same conversations in five years’ time.
Let’s not let this moment pass us by. Let’s work together to make MMC the standard—not the exception.
Join us at the next BOS Event on the 1st of July REDUCING BARRIERS TO MMC launching new guidance and delivering on our manifesto. Register now to get a seat at the table!