ARL.L Regulatory News (ARL)

8 Mar 2007 07:04

SMC Group Plc08 March 2007 SMC Group Plc ('SMC' or the 'group') Architectural framework agreement SMC Group Plc, the architects and design business, is pleased to announce thatit has signed a framework agreement with construction giant, Laing O'Rourke(LOR), under which SMC will provide architectural services for LOR projectswithin the terms of their highly respected 'Building Constructive Relationships'(BCR) programme. The SMC Group of companies' national reach, range of skill baseand resource were key factors in their selection to the framework. Laing O'Rourke devised the BCR framework as part of their drive to challenge andchange the construction industry to achieve a dramatic improvement inperformance. The company spends circa £75m annually on consultant's fees withinthe framework, some 60% of which is allocated for architecture services. Whilethe precise financial benefits to SMC cannot yet be quantified, there is acommitment from both LOR and SMC to the collaborative process which should leadto work on a number of substantial projects. The appointment of SMC as a strategic design partner to LOR is for a 5 yearperiod extending through to 2012. SMC Executive Deputy Chairman Stewart McColl commented, "We are delighted withthis decision by Laing O'Rourke which will put in place a solid platform for usto work on future projects together. Laing O'Rourke has worked successfully withseveral of the SMC companies in the past and this is a reflection of how we cancollaborate further." For further information please contact: SMC Group Plc Tel: +44 (0)20 7495 5335Robert Boardman/Gordon Watson Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial Tel: +44 (0)20 7861 3232David Rydell/Geoff Callow/Chris Hamilton - end-Notes to Editors SMC Group Plc is the holding company for a group of architects and designers. Ithas established expertise in a broad range of sectors, including residential,retail, industrial, workplace, transportation, leisure and education. The SMC Group's core strategy is to create an architectural group with the scaleand expertise to access the most profitable schemes across a range of sectorsand geographical locations. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange