Fri 11 Jul 2008
CBI launches new Construction Council
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has announced today that it will be enhancing the role that it undertakes on behalf of the construction industry.Following discussions with major construction companies, the CBI has agreed to set up a Construction Council chaired by John McDonough (pictured), chief executive of Carillion plc and vice chairman of the CBI’s Public Services Strategy Board.
The Council, which will represent contractors, housebuilders, civil engineers, component and product manufacturers, designers and support services, will begin its work in September.
Commenting on the move, the CBI’s director-general, Richard Lambert said: "The UK construction industry consists of over 250,000 firms, employing 2.1 million people in a wide variety of roles, and accounts for almost 9% of GDP.
"Until now, this important industry has not had the single unified voice it deserves. The Construction Council will work closely with the major trade bodies to strengthen their efforts to represent the construction industry and ensure its concerns are clearly heard."
John McDonough, who will lead the work of the new Council, added: "These are challenging times for the construction industry. While many companies continue to enjoy good markets in the UK and overseas, others, particularly those with exposure to the UK residential market, are facing challenging times.
"Setting up the new Construction Council is, therefore, particularly timely. The Council's new strategic role at the heart of the CBI will enable the whole sector to benefit from the CBI's unrivaled access at the highest levels in Whitehall, Westminster and Brussels."
The Construction Council will be considering a broad range of issues including the economy, energy, land use planning, procurement, climate change and skills.
Posted by Marc Da-Silva
in Carillion, Confederation of British Industry, John McDonough, News, Richard Lambert on Fri 11 Jul 2008