New initiatives to strengthen construction representation

PLANS to strengthen construction industry representation have been given a boost by the announcement of two major initiatives: industry representative bodies have announced the blueprint for a significant restructuring; and the CBI has revealed that it is set to establish a Construction Council.

Both moves aim to deliver a more powerful representative voice for the construction industry, in line with Construction Confederation chairman James Wates’ vision for a more united sector capable of punching its weight, as described in his 2006 Povey memorial lecture.

Discussions, led by the Major Contractors Group (MCG), with the CBI have resulted in the formation of a Construction Council similar to those operating for manufacturing and financial services. The intention is to provide a higher profile for construction within the CBI and to enhance the work being undertaken by sector trade associations. The Council is due to begin its work on 1 September 2008.

In addition to major contractors, the new Construction Council, to be chaired by Carillion chief executive John McDonough, will include representation from other sectors of the industry, including SMEs, civil engineering and house building, as well as from the construction products sector.

The proposed new Council will allow the construction industry to play an active role in the CBI’s lobbying programme, influencing action and policy in the areas of particular interest and concern. The approach will ensure that the roles of the CBI and the various trade bodies are complementary, with the CBI making full use of its access and influence at the highest levels while the trade bodies focus on detailed technical work, such as health and safety and sector skills.

The Construction Council will also interface with other key task forces within the CBI, such as the Public Services Strategy Board, in order to ensure that those groups, the value of which comes from their cross-sectoral nature, understand and reflect the needs of the construction industry.

This marks an important step for the industry and will lead to some restructuring among representative bodies. Member companies of the MCG and the National Contractors Federation have already agreed to join together to establish a single, modern trade body for the building sector, to be known as the UK Contractors Group (UKCG).

The aim is to establish a single building organization to mirror the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, although existing initiatives will still be developed. For example, current MCG member companies plan to continue their successful collaboration on health and safety.

Commenting on the proposals, MCG chairman John Spanswick said: ‘This is a tremendous opportunity to take a significant step forward in securing a more cohesive approach to industry representation. With the industry all sailing with purpose and in the same direction, I am confident the CBI can help us to deliver a stronger voice.’

He added: ‘It has long been clear that we will only achieve a more powerful and cohesive voice if the industry’s various representational bodies act in a more concerted way. This is just the beginning of an exciting long-term strategy to deliver more effective representation for the industry.’