More than 125 CPA
members and industry colleagues have joined MPs, Peers and civil servants at
the Construction Products Association’s annual Parliamentary Reception to
discuss the vital role our sector plays in the UK economy.
The event served as
a forum to discuss the government’s renewed commitment to an Industrial
Strategy and put the case forward for why UK manufacturing and construction
matters if government is to meet policy targets, especially around house
building and infrastructure.
The UK is the eighth
largest manufacturing economy in the world, whilst the construction sector
provides 2 million jobs across a £152 billion market.
The CPA and members
shared the work they are undertaking to support the government’s long-term
strategy for construction covering skills, modern methods of construction,
investment in UK facilities and R&D, and promoting a greener, more
sustainable built environment.
Also debated was the
need for a sector deal for construction and what the industry could deliver
with an Industrial Strategy.
Guest speakers
included: Alok Sharma, Minister of State for Housing and Planning; The Earl of
Lindsay; Lord Stunell, Lords Spokesperson for Construction; and Carl Arntzen,
CPA Chairman.
Carl Arntzen, CPA
Chairman and CEO of Worcester Bosch UK, said: "The CPA has invested a
great deal of time and resources over the past year to advance what we believe
is our industry's best hope to help mitigate the volatility of the market and
set it on a path of modernisation, growth and stability.
"With
unprecedented uncertainties ahead of us, our industry needs to change and lead
from the front; to be more efficient, develop smarter methods of construction,
improve quality, performance and sustainability throughout the lifetime of our
products, and attract and develop a more highly-skilled workforce.
"The
partnership between government and industry has the potential for sweeping
changes and rewards, and evenings like this one give us that chance to listen
and agree a way forward."
