c

DETR SECONDMENT FOR KVAERNER CEMENTATION FOUNDATIONS MAN

Press release 21/01/1999 00:00 CET

Kvaerner Cementation Foundations’ international manager, Colin Courtney, is to play a key role in the government’s drive to increase exports from construction companies to Europe and America.

Mr Courtney has been seconded to the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions from Kvaerner Construction’s specialist ground engineering company to lead the Europe and Americas Export Team within the Construction Directorate.

Construction Minister, Nick Raynsford, welcomed the secondment. He said: "This is exactly the kind of partnership that we want to encourage between the public and private sectors. I am delighted that Colin Courtney is joining the export team and am sure that both we and the industry will benefit from his time here."

One of his main responsibilities will be to advance the recommendations of the recent ICE report on Technology Strategies for UK Civil Engineering Exports which was part-funded by the DETR. He will also be responsible for stimulating greater activity from UK construction companies in the Americas, Europe and the former Soviet Union.

His secondment follows a request to Kvaerner Construction chief executive, Keith Clarke, to identify someone to work with the DETR to promote exports and liaise with industry organisations, ministers and senior officials both in the UK and overseas.

Mr Courtney takes up his 12-month appointment in January.

END

For further information contact:Cheryl Eaton, PR Manager - 01923 423 030Kris Birkett, Press Officer - 01923 423 833