Industry welcomes Government plan to appoint chief construction adviser

The Government is to appoint a chief construction officer in response to a recent consultation exercise — a move that has been widely welcomed in the construction industry. Ian Lucas, business minister with responsibility for construction, says, ‘We have taken our time to get the role right to ensure that it fits well with a range of new and existing initiatives. But I have heard the calls from the construction industry loud and clear since my appointment in June. We are now pressing hard ahead with recruiting. I want to see a high-quality individual in place by November.’

Ian Pearson, the Economic Secretary, says, ‘This role will provide a central focal point for the construction sector, acknowledging the value of this sector and the importance of delivering a sustainable and low-carbon economy that remains competitive. The chief construction adviser will help ensure that Government secures maximum value for money in its procurement of construction of construction and thus support the aims of the operational efficiency programme.’

Hywel Davies, technical director of CIBSE, comments, ‘A chief construction office can provide an internal focus for resolving cross-departmental issues and for providing the industry with a single point of contact to seek resolution of matters of concern.’

Keith Clarke, chairman of the Construction Industry Council also welcomed the announcement; ‘The design and engineering of our built environment is not only vital to our economy, well-being and quality of life, but is also an essential contributor to decarbonising our economy. The role of the adviser is absolutely critical, and we welcome this commitment.’

Simon Storer, communications and external-affairs director at the Construction Products Association, is also enthusiastic: ‘We are particularly encouraged that the role the adviser will have covers both public-sector procurement of construction projects as well as the wider links Government has with the construction industry in relation to “new industry new jobs” and the wider sustainability agenda.’

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