Member Article

Government names construction advisory council

Heads of industry have been brought together by the Government to create an industrial strategy for construction.

Speaking on Tuesday business minister, Michael Fallon, announced the advisory council, which will be comprised of 18 industry leaders.

The Government’s chief construction adviser, Peter Hansford, put the board together from a range of different organisations to represent a wide breadth of expertise within the sector.

The Construction Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (CISAC) will be made up of people in prominent positions such as Simon Kirkby, managing director of Infrastructure Projects Network Rail and Denise Bower, Professor in Engineering Project Management at the University of Leeds.

Also included in the list was Sainsbury’s property director, Neil Sachdev, Laing O’Rourke chief and chairman, Ray O’Rourke and KPMG’s chairman of global infrastructure, James Stewart.

The strategy drawn up by the council is expected to look at how the construction industry can innovate and grow.

Industry leaders will also investigate supply chain, SME relationships, skills, access to finance and trade with foreign countries.

Mr Fallon commented: “Industrial strategy is about setting out a long term Government approach to how we support business. This will give confidence now for investment and growth.

“Construction is a sector where Government and business working together can have a real impact. It can drive productivity and growth in other parts of the economy.

“We are very clear that in order for it to deliver, the construction industrial strategy must be developed in true partnership with industry. This advisory council will be an important part of that.”

Chief Construction Adviser Peter Hansford said: “I’m delighted that these key figures from across the construction industry have agreed to join our new Advisory Council.

“I look forward to working with them over the next six months to create a long-term strategy for our industry and to chart the way forward for construction in the UK.”

CISAC is expected to release its strategy in Summer 2013.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .