The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has imposed fines totaling £50,000 on construction firm M&J Group and two of its employees for concealing evidence during an inspection. This action was part of a broader investigation into 12 construction companies suspected of bid rigging.

During the inspection, M&J's Estimating Director, Barry Pirrie, directed Office Manager, Tracey Woods, to hide a mobile phone and documents to obstruct CMA investigators. Although the items were eventually returned, their concealment risked losing crucial information and wasted investigative resources.

The penalties are separate from the ongoing investigation into potential collusion among construction companies when bidding for contracts, including those funded by the Department for Education’s Condition Improvement Fund. The CMA has emphasized that no conclusions should be drawn regarding any violations of competition law at this stage.

Under the CMA's enhanced enforcement powers, which will take effect in January 2025, businesses that fail to comply with investigatory requirements may face significantly higher penalties. However, since the misconduct occurred before these new powers were enacted, M&J is subject to the previous penalty limits.