The cartel watchdog first launched its probe in December 2024 over suspected anti-competitive arrangements linked to roofing work for schools applying to the Department for Education’s Condition Improvement Fund.

It has now confirmed the businesses currently under investigation are:

• AMR Consult
• Blue Cube Contracting
• Central Roofing and Building Services
• Higham Flat Roofing
• ICE Roofing & Cladding
• Inspire Contract Services
• M&J Group (Construction & Roofing)
• Parias Construction and Interiors
• PSARLD trading as Peter Smith Associates
• RAM Building Consultancy
• Russell Trew
• Stoic Roofing and Construction.

The CMA also confirmed the scope of the investigation was widened at the start of this year.

As well as Condition Improvement Fund projects, the inquiry now covers suspected bid-rigging relating to roofing and other construction services supplied to schools generally, alongside other public and private sector clients.

The investigation remains ongoing, with further evidence gathering and analysis scheduled to continue until at least December.

The CMA stressed that no assumption should be made that competition law has been breached and it has not reached any view on whether there was sufficient evidence to issue a formal statement of objections against any of the businesses.

A statement of objections, if issued, would set out the CMA’s provisional findings and give the companies an opportunity to respond before any final decision is reached.