Author of influential govt review into UK construction labour receives CIOB President’s award

Mark Farmer has been presented with the CIOB President’s Award for 2020/21. The award is given to someone within the last Presidential year that has worked as a champion for one of the Presidential themes, a true ambassador for CIOB. 

CEO and founding director of consultancy Cast, with over 30 years of experience in construction and real estate, Mark Farmer has become a recognised expert on a variety of industry and policy-related issues. He authored the Farmer Review, an influential 2016 independent government review of the UK’s construction labour model, entitled ‘Modernise or Die’. 

Upon receiving the award, Mark said: 

“It’s not often that I’m lost for words, but this evening is one of those occasions. It means a lot in terms of being recognised, but it means even more because it’s CIOB. For me, what the Institution is doing in terms of pushing the agenda around quality and modernisation is so important. How change happens in our industry is through people, and everything I’ve seen this evening showcases how we are modernising, not dying. It’s absolutely gratifying to see so much excellence on display this evening.” 

In 2019, Mark was appointed as the Government’s champion for modern methods of construction in housebuilding. It is this focus on quality at every stage – the core theme of Past President Mark Beard’s term – that Mark Farmer has been awarded for his efforts. 

His other roles include being a member of the Construction Innovation Hub Industry Board, the Construction Leadership Council Senior Advisors group, a board member for Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, national co-chair of Constructing Excellence, while being a trustee of the MOBIE educational charity. Mark is also an honorary professor at The University of Salford’s School of Built Environment and holds honorary doctorates from the University College of Estate Management and the University of Wolverhampton. 

Mark Beard FCIOB, former President of CIOB 2020/21, said: 
“I am delighted to award Mark Farmer the CIOB President's Award. Mark has done more than anyone else to introduce new ways of working into our industry, with a relentless focus on promoting modern methods of construction, with all its benefits for our industry’s profile, productivity, long-term profitability and overall product quality. I am proud to be able to acknowledge his work in driving real long-term change in our industry and lifting quality standards.”