As the new Chair of CECA’s Chairman’s Strategic Forum I am honoured to take up a pivotal post in leading our Association during a crucial time for our industry.
The UK infrastructure sector stands at the forefront of delivering economic growth, with CECA members delivering an estimated 80 per cent of all civil engineering activity in the UK, work that is worth a staggering £30 billion to the economy every year.
But this is not just about spades in the ground: CECA members directly employ an estimated 250,000 people in high-paying, rewarding jobs, with many more working in our members’ extensive supply chain.
UK infrastructure is primed for growth, bolstered by significant Government investment aimed at stimulating economic activity through project delivery. The establishment of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority in April exemplifies the UK Government’s commitment to streamlining delivery, reforming the planning system, and enhancing infrastructure performance across all sectors.
However, challenges persist. Recent years have seen industry buffeted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of inflation. Rising costs and a persistent skills gap underscore the need for continued support and strategic planning, which is where CECA is proud to lead our industry for the benefit of communities and businesses in all parts of the country.
CECA is the leading industry voice in making the case for infrastructure, and we are working with the Government to realise its mission to create a better economy for all, as highlighted in the recent Spring Statement. The announcement of an additional £13 billion in capital spending over the course of this Parliament, and an extra £600 million investment in construction skills funding, underscores the importance of our sector in securing the economy and improving lives across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Furthermore, the UK Government’s focus on expediting project delivery aligns with our long-standing campaigning for efficient planning and execution of streamlined infrastructure investment, as does the commitment to delivering a net zero future.
The Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill is expected to boost the economy by as much as £7.5 billion over the next ten years by facilitating speedier project delivery, allowing CECA members to do what they do best – delivering the infrastructure we all rely upon.
In my day job as Business Development Director for ESH Civils, I am all too aware of the challenges and opportunities facing UK civils contractors, and the key role CECA has to play in ensuring voices from across our industry are represented in policy making at the highest level.
I am delighted to be supported by past Chair Samantha Barratt of Barhale, vice-chair Tommy Cubby of Cubby Construction, the team at CECA national, and the teams at all six of CECA’s English regions and the devolved nations of Scotland and Wales.
CECA’s ability to speak for our whole industry is unmatched, and I look forward to ensuring the Association adheres to our core pillars in delivering investment in our sector, tackling the skills gap, and making sure our members are best placed to win work, create jobs, and drive economic growth for the benefit of the whole of society in the months and years to come.