Conference to focus on building bright future for construction industry
Building a strong recovery and a bright future for the Scottish construction industry will be the focus when John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, delivers the keynote speech at the Scottish Construction Forum Conference in the Marriott Hotel, Glasgow today (Monday 9 November).
"There is no doubt the recession has been an extremely challenging time - both for the construction sector and our economy as whole. But the clear strengths of the industry and the skills of its talented workforce will help it recover and play a key role in building a brighter future for Scotland.
"This Government is absolutely committed to helping the sector through the tough times and ensuring it can take full advantage of the many opportunities that will emerge when things improve. We have improved the Government's payment performance so that we pay 95 per cent of our bills within 10 days and accelerated £350m of capital spending to support thousands of jobs in the construction industry.
Mr Swinney continued: "We want to accelerate even more money into next year, so we will continue to make that case to the Chancellor. And we will continue to do all we can to help construction businesses take full advantage of the massive strategic business opportunities the climate change agenda will create. Working together, I have no doubt the construction sector can help deliver the strong economic recovery we all want to see."
The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Making Scottish Construction Work’ and the overarching aim is to lay the foundations for recovery within the industry. With a variety of speakers and industry experts on hand, the conference sets out to ensure that Scottish construction companies can proactively capitalise on new opportunities for growth that still exist and can look to the future with a positive vision and innovation.
Now in its fifth year, the conference has already attracted significant registrations from major contractors such as Ennstone Thistle Ltd, Miller Construction (UK) Ltd and Laing O’Rourke Scotland. Opening the event is Glasgow City Council leader, Steven Purcell and other speakers include Stephen Williams, Director Field Operations (London), Health & Safety Executive; David Middleton, Chief Executive, Transport Scotland; and Tim Clarke, Divisional Managing Director, Balfour Beatty Construction Ltd.
Representatives from the construction industry’s strategic and political arm, The Scottish Construction Forum, will also be in attendance at the conference. Chairman, Archie Ferguson said "This annual conference presents an important opportunity for an impressive cross-section of the industry to listen to leaders in the field, presenting their views on what constitutes success and to present an insight for the future.
"I am delighted at the calibre of participants this year and I am sure the conference will not only be a success but will also provide important pointers for construction as we begin to move out of recession.
"The Scottish Construction Forum prides itself in representing the industry at the highest level as well as engaging positively with Scottish Government. It provides strong leadership and supports positive strategies which are solution based and closely linked to the immediate and future needs.
"Members of the Forum engage closely with their constituents to ensure that all areas of the industry have a voice."
James Alexander, Head of Construction, Scottish Enterprise said: Despite difficult economic conditions, the construction industry continues to play a crucial role within the Scottish economy as a direct employer and as an enabler of other sectors.
"This conference provides an opportunity for businesses to share their views on the future of the sector in Scotland, while hearing from stakeholders from across the industry.
The construction team at Scottish Enterprise is committed to working with the sector to ensure Scottish companies can successfully adapt and compete in an industry that is working hard to successfully rebuild itself for the long term.