Advisory council named for construction industrial strategy

Construction Minister Michael Fallon has announced a team of top industry figures who will work with government on the Industrial Strategy for construction.

The eighteen strong advisory council has been put together by Government Chief Construction Adviser Peter Hansford who is leading the formation of the strategy and will chair the group.

Representing the breadth of the industry the Construction Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (CISAC) will oversee and steer the development of the strategy.

Construction Minister Michael Fallon said: "Industrial strategy is about setting out a long term government approach to how we support business. This will give confidence now for investment and growth.

"Construction is a sector where government and business working together can have a real impact. It can drive productivity and growth in other parts of the economy.

"We are very clear that in order for it to deliver, the construction industrial strategy must be developed in true partnership with industry. This advisory council will be an important part of that.

Chief Construction Adviser Peter Hansford said: "I’m delighted that these key figures from across the construction industry have agreed to join our new Advisory Council. I look forward to working with them over the next six months to create a long-term strategy for our industry and to chart the way forward for construction in the UK."

The members of CISAC are:

    Peter Hansford (Chair) - Chief Construction Adviser, UK Government
    Denise Bower - Professor in Engineering Project Management, University of Leeds
    Mark Clare - Group Chief Executive, Barratt Developments
    Geoff Cooper - Chief Executive, Travis Perkins
    Keith Howells – Chairman, Mott MacDonald
    Chris Kane – Director, Greendale Construction
    Simon Kirby - Managing Director, Infrastructure Projects Network Rail
    Kevin Louch - Managing Director, Stanford Industrial Concrete Flooring
    Robert Mair – Professor and Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Cambridge
    Chris Newsome - Director of Asset Management, Anglian Water
    Ray O’Rourke - Chief Executive and Chairman, Laing O’Rourke
    David Pinder - Chief Executive, BDR Thermea
    Neil Sachdev - Property Director, Sainsbury’s
    Paul Sheffield - Chief Executive, Kier Group
    James Stewart - Chairman of Global Infrastructure, KPMG
    Jack Pringle - Principal, Managing Director, Pringle Brandon Perkins + Will
    Mike Putnam - CEO and President, Skanska UK
    Mark Wakeford - Managing Director, Stepnell

The issues the strategy is expected to cover include growth and innovation; supply chain; SME engagement; skills; access to finance and overseas trade. It will build on, but not duplicate, the work of the Green Construction Board, the Infrastructure UK Cost Review, and the Government Construction Board.

The industrial strategy for construction will be launched in the summer.