CBI Sets Up Construction Council

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has announced the creation of the Construction Council, to represent the construction industry.

The newly formed body will bring together all sectors of the industry from consultants and civil engineers to homebuilders, contractors and manufacturers of construction materials, currently represented by 42 trade associations.Chaired by John McDonough, chief executive of Carillion plc and vice chairman of the CBI’s Public Services Strategy Board,the Construction Council will consider a broad range of issues including the economy, energy, land use planning, procurement, climate change and skills.

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.

The setting up of the Construction Council has come at a challenging time 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.

As part of the same process, the Construction Confederation will be scaled back, although its precise role is yet to be decided. James Wates, the Construction Confederation chairman, will continue in the role, and it is expected he will also chair the UK Contractors Group.

In a press release John McDonough, said:

"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 unrivalled access at the highest levels in Whitehall, Westminster and Brussels."