CIOB To Deliver Seminar On OFT Investigation

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is to deliver a seminar on the progress and implications of the ongoing Office of Fair Trading (OFT) investigation into corruption within the UK construction industry.

The OFT has been examining allegations of bid rigging by construction companies throughout England. Over 50 companies were raided as part of the investigations, while many made applications for leniency. The raids are said to have generated evidence of bid rigging affecting thousands of tenders, worth a total of approximately £3 billion. Several leading contractors have confirmed they are under investigation and face the prospect of heavy fines and significant adverse publicity. Claims for substantial damages may well follow and individuals involved could face criminal prosecution and/or disqualification as directors.


The CIOB seminar takes place on 26 November at Adelaide House, London Bridge. Speakers will include the OFT’s Deputy Director of Cartels Deborah Jones, who is currently responsible for the investigation, along with partners from law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner’s EU & Competition team, who have advised on this investigation.

Attendance at the event is free but there is a need to register. Further information is available on the CIOB website at www.ciob.org.uk.

(NS/SP)