Paul Morrell’s role is extended for a year

Paul Morrell, the Government’s Chief Construction Adviser, has welcomed his reappointment for a further year as providing the opportunity to oversee the reforms set out in the Government Construction (Procurement) Strategy and play a part in setting up the Green Construction Board. Both projects are now moving into the delivery phase.

He was appointed Chief Construction adviser in December 2009, and says, ‘I am really glad to have the opportunity of getting some of the plans that have been formulated over the last two years along the road to implementation. There is a lot of work to do. The work of efficiency and reform can never be finished, but the industry has been hugely supportive of the moves the Government is making, and I think that in another year we will have a programme that has momentum of its own.’

Business Minister Mark Prisk said, ‘I am glad that Paul has agreed to be reappointed as the Government’s Chief Construction Adviser. He has made significant progress championing a more co-ordinated approach to affordable, sustainable construction — both within industry and Government.’

Steven Hindley, chairman of the CBI construction council, has also welcomed the news. ‘I am delighted that Paul Morrell has been reappointed. We have long called for the creation of a permanent position in Whitehall to better facilitate dialogue between the Government and the construction industry, and this announcement is a further step in the right direction.

‘We now need the Chief Construction adviser to deliver on the Government’s construction strategy to help raise efficiency levels, bring down costs and focus on delivering sustainable construction projects. The role should also evolve to ensure closer communication between those commission and delivering UK infrastructure.’