New initiative aims to boost construction sector productivity

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Image credit: Scottish Enterprise

CONSTRUCTION Scotland is to launch a new initiative to help firms boost profits by improving productivity and efficiency.

A collaboration between Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC), Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service, Zero Waste Scotland and Skills Development Scotland, the Profit Through Productivity programme of workshops, activities and events will start in October and cover topics ranging from manufacturing and operations efficiency to organisational development and leadership.

Companies will be able to select elements from the bespoke programme that are relevant to their business.­

Full details of the scheme will be unveiled at Construction Scotland and CSIC’s joint conference and industry showcase on Wednesday 13 September at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. The event will bring together hundreds of the industry’s key figures and feature a range of talks and exhibits designed to encourage the nation’s construction businesses and clients to embrace change and improve their competitiveness.

Ken Gillespie, MD of Galliford Try and a member of Construction Scotland’s Industry Leadership Group, will chair one of the key sessions focusing on building profit and productivity.

Workshops will feature topical issues including delivering the Scottish Government’s target of 50,000 new homes and rethinking public procurement. Additionally, new forms of support to help construction businesses seize new opportunities will be announced at the conference.

Stephen Good, chief executive of Construction Scotland Innovation Centre said, “These may be rather uncertain times for the construction industry, but the best thing a business can do to secure its future is to have a positive attitude, look ahead and think about how it can do things differently and more efficiently.  Our event will share tips and tricks on how to be more productive, and improve profitability, and it doesn’t matter whether you are a very small company or a major contractor, these messages are crucial to absolutely everyone.”

 Ed Monaghan, chair of Construction Scotland added, “The construction sector is such a vital part of our economy here in Scotland that it is in everyone’s best interests for it to thrive. If you work in the construction industry, you will know the challenges we face. Continual improvement is the name of the game in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, and ultimately improved profitability. Construction Scotland’s Profit through Productivity initiative is here to help you and your business do just that. I’d urge everyone in the construction industry to get along to the Conference to not only find out all about this programme and how they can get involved with it, but also learn from some top industry experts and network with hundreds of construction peers.”