Skanska UK’s CEO and President to help develop an industrial strategy for construction.
The 18-strong Construction Industrial Strategy Advisory Council will support Government Chief Construction Adviser Peter Hansford, who is tasked with forming an industrial strategy for the industry.
The strategy aims to set a consistent, long term approach to developing strategic partnerships with businesses. It is expected to include growth and innovation, supply chain, SME engagement, skills, access to finance and overseas trade. It will build on the work of the Green Construction Board, the Infrastructure UK Cost Review, and the Government Construction Board.
Peter Hansford, who also chairs the panel, 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.”
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.”
Skanska UK CEO and President Mike Putnam said: “I am delighted to be part of the new advisory panel, working with Peter Hansford. By bringing together a cross section of our industry, we have a fantastic opportunity to create a long-term industrial strategy that supports growth in the economy. We at Skanska are passionate about bringing sustainable solutions and innovation to construction. We believe the transition to a low carbon economy is not only a realistic aspiration, but also an essential one.”
Construction Industrial Strategy Advisory Council members
- 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