Lorraine Gregory is the new Regional Director for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) for the Midlands, succeeding Dawn Karakatsanis.
Here, Lorraine explains her background and why she can’t wait to support CECA members across the region.
I have been in my new post for a couple of weeks now and it’s been a busy time, but it has been great to meet so many people already, including some of our members.
It’s you, our members, who are my number one priority as I come into this role.
At CECA Midlands, we support members, who include the biggest civil engineering firms in the region through to smaller contractors, with a whole range of services including training, networking and up-to-the-minute information.
The feedback I’ve had from members so far is that they are very happy with the work that we do on their behalf, which is a great foundation for me to come in and build on.
We won’t rest on our laurels, however, and I will be working with the team and the CECA Midlands council to ensure that we are always listening and evolving what we offer to members to meet your needs in ever-changing times.
I really do have a passion for this industry, so this is an exciting role for me. I will give companies – no matter how big or small – my everything to ensure this sector continues to thrive in our region.
I can feel that my pride in the region and the work we do as a sector is shared by everyone I meet. I want to harness that for the benefit of all of us.
I’d also encourage our members to talk to other companies about the benefits of CECA because the more businesses we have on board, the stronger our voice becomes when we are speaking up to decision-makers on issues that affect all of us.
Like every other industry, we’ve been affected by Covid and now by more pressing global events and we will monitor their impact on businesses across the region.
An imminent issue for CECA members is rising costs, but other looming issues include skills and recruitment and Net Zero as issues that need addressing by the sector.
For me, the work you, our members, do is vitally important for the growth of our regional economy and I am determined to work with you to ensure we create the best possible environment for everyone to thrive.
These are very challenging times but I am excited by what we can achieve together.
For more information go to https://www.ceca.co.uk/midlands