THE Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum (CICV) has launched a consultation to establish what stakeholders want for the industry after Covid-19 and how it can be achieved.
The consultation, led by consultant Len Bunton, was compiled with the input of four quantity surveying firms, as well as Ian Honeyman, commercial director of the Scottish Building Federation, and Ken Lewandowski, former local chairman of Clydesdale Bank.
Mr Bunton said that, for everyone involved in construction, the ‘ultimate’ objective for the post-pandemic future ‘must’ be an industry which is not only ‘fair and transparent’ but also allows contractors and the supply chain to operate profitable businesses.
Forum chair and SELECT managing director, Alan Wilson, said, ”All too often we are told that a body or organisation is the ‘voice’ of a sector but to be the voice, first of all you must listen to what members are saying. Being the ‘ears of the industry’ is a concept often sadly forgotten and this piece of work aims do just that – listening to what the industry wants before suggesting options for change.”
Len Bunton added, “The questions in the consultation will be put to the many trade and professional bodies in the Forum, as well as their members. The aim is to focus on the step changes which are necessary, the main problems and the potential solutions. We want to look at the endemic problems of low tendering, no margins and the lack of regard for competency and experience. Serious cashflow and payment issues, poor quality and health and safety problems are also consistent concerns for the industry.
“We also need to consult with public and private sector clients who are the lifeblood of the industry, as their investment creates employment for the construction sector in Scotland. The consultation makes the point that the CICV Forum, which was quickly and efficiently assembled to deal with the ongoing effects of the shutdown, has demonstrated the desirability of disparate parties coming together to work for the mutual benefit of the sector.”
