CMA investigates potential anti-competitive behaviour in supply of roofing and other construction services to schools

On 11 December 2024, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that it has started an investigation into potential anti-competitive behaviour, which may breach the prohibition in Chapter 1 of the Competition Act 1998.  It is investigating potential bid-rigging in the supply of roofing and other construction services to schools which are eligible to apply for funding from the Department for Education's Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).
 
The Department for Education (DfE) awards money from CIF each year and the awards can be of significant sums of money.  CIF funds are mainly awarded to schools with buildings in poor condition, and this includes awards to projects which deal with health and safety issues and building compliance.
 
The CMA has said it suspects that several companies providing roofing and construction services (including both building contractors and technical advisors) have been colluding illegally to manipulate bids to secure contracts funded by CIF awards. The CMA is particularly concerned about the activities of roofing contractors.
 
The CMA started its investigation, in the second week of December, by making unannounced visits to several business premises to gather any relevant evidence (including physical and digital documents) to assist it in its enquiries. The CMA is working closely with the DfE in its investigation.
 
The CMA has stated that it will be conducting its initial investigation (including gathering, analysing and reviewing information) until May 2025.

Please contact our competition team if you have any queries relating to the investigation, or if you would like to find out more about how to make sure your business is compliant with competition laws.

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