CBI forms new Construction Council

Source: Construction Digital

Date :11/07/2008 09:24:33

The CBI has announced the formation of a new body that will aim to increase the voice of the construction industry.

The Confederation of British Industry - which promotes the interests of some 200,000 British businesses - said that the new Construction Council will be chaired by Carillion chief executive John McDonough (pictured).

It is scheduled to begin work in October, with a focus on increasing the construction industry’s weight in lobbying the Government.

The CBI said that it will address a broad range of issues including the economy, energy, land use planning, procurement, climate change and skills

As part of a major shakeup the Major Contractors Group and National Contractors Federation will be disbanded and replaced by a UK Contractors Group.

Turbulence

This news will come as a welcome respite for many in the industry, which has been hit by a series of job cuts and trade warnings over the past week.

"These are challenging times for the construction industry,” said McDonough. “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 unrivalled access at the highest levels in Whitehall, Westminster and Brussels."