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Who we are

CECA is the representative organisation for the UK’s civil engineering contractors. Through our nationwide network of autonomous regions, and our national office in London, we provide an authoritative voice for the companies who build, maintain and upgrade the nation’s vital infrastructure networks in the key sectors of transport, energy, water, waste, and communications. With more than 300 members based across our England, Scotland and Wales, we represent firms who, together, deliver an estimated 70-80 per cent of all civil engineering activity in the UK.

We have extensive experience and expert knowledge of the UK’s infrastructure sector, and represent our members to media, clients, and governments, to ensure that our members benefit from the latest industry knowledge, government proposals, and market intelligence, to the benefit of their businesses and wider society.

CECA has national offices based in London, Cardiff and Stirling, as well as local offices in six English regions. Our policy office in London manages communications, public affairs and direct engagement with the UK Government, industry stakeholders, and other national organisations. You can contact the CECA policy office’s staff members during business hours on 020 7340 0450.

CECA Policy Contacts

Director of Policy & Public Affairs
Ben Goodwin

Ben joined CECA in September 2025 as Director of Policy & Public Affairs. He has spent the last 15 years working in policy and public affairs roles in the built and natural environment sectors. Most recently he was Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental professionals (formerly IEMA), where he led a multi-disciplinary team broadly focused on working with UK government to deliver a greener economy.

Ben's career has also included six years at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). During most of this time he led the ICE's policy team with a focus on developing policy for the betterment of the UK's economic infrastructure networks, including working with government and the private sector to increase investment and unlock productivity gains in delivery.

He has been a member of various government advisory boards and industry initiatives associated with the sectors in which he has worked in, along with speaking regularly at high-profile events and in the media.

Policy & Communications Manager
Huston Gilmore

Prior to joining CECA, Huston completed a doctorate at the University of Oxford, and lectured at the University of Liverpool. He has also worked for a number of Westminster think-tanks. Huston is first point of contact for media enquiries, develops and implements CECA's communications strategy and digital presence, and works with members and other stakeholders to develop policy positions and recommendations. Huston is responsible for developing CECA's submissions to government consultations and inquiries, drafting CECA policy papers, and high-level research briefings on CECA's policy objectives.

Sector Group Manager
Kate Lloyd

Kate has worked in the construction sector for over 25 years. Following her Civil Engineering MEng degree, she worked for Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering before roles at Newcastle University and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Whilst at CITB she managed the Women and Work: Sector Pathways initiative which informed the development of the industry’s Fairness, Inclusion and Respect programme. Further roles at Constructing Excellence North East and the Institution of Civil Engineers gave her significant experience in membership organisations. Kate joined CECA in March 2025 as Civil Engineering Manager working on Health, Safety & Wellbeing and ‘Sustainability & Social Value’, while also supporting our work on ‘Clients, Policy & Workload.’ In February 2026 Kate moved the role of Sector Group Manager, leading on CECA's work with members on health, safety & wellbeing, environment and sustainability, and associated policy fields.  

Business Support Assistant
Patricia O’Brien

Patricia joined CECA in March 2026 as Business Support Assistant, providing administrative and organisational support to the Director of Policy and Public Affairs. Her responsibilities include managing office systems, financial liaison, coordinating meetings, preparing documents and briefing materials, supporting events, and handling day‑to‑day enquiries. Patricia brings over 16 years’ experience across PA, HR, and coordination roles in higher education, construction, training, and corporate environments. Before joining CECA, she worked as PA and Team Coordinator at London Business School, delivering high‑level support to senior leadership and managing complex operational workflows. She is CIPD Level 3 qualified, a trained Mental Health First Aider, and is committed to delivering high‑quality support and ensuring smooth, effective operations across the Policy and Public Affairs function.