THE Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has announced it is extending its consultation on the future of the sector to the whole Scottish construction industry.
Originally launched among the Forum’s 50 member organisations, the collective is now inviting all other parties to give their opinion on what they want for the industry post-pandemic, and how it might be achieved.
Forum chair and SELECT MD Alan Wilson said, “We appreciate that not everyone in the construction sector is represented by the Forum – our major housebuilders for example – and we are anxious that all parties within our industry contribute to the national debate on where we go next.”
With companies beginning a phased return to work, the questionnaire addresses a range of issues and suggests the sector cannot realistically go back to the way it was.
Led by consultant Len Bunton, the consultation 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.
Len Bunton said, “The questions in the consultation will be put not only to the many trade and professional bodies in the Forum, as well as their members, but to all parties engaged in the sector. We are seeking the broadest possible body of opinion to help form policy in the coming months and years. We want to look at the endemic problems of low tendering, low or no margins and the lack of regard for competency and experience. Serious cash flow and payment issues, poor quality and health and safety problems are also consistent concerns for the industry.
“We also need to hear from public and private sector clients who are the lifeblood of the industry, as their investment creates employment for the construction sector in Scotland.”
A copy of the consultation can be obtained by emailing info@cicvforum.co.uk. The closing date for submissions is Friday 19 June.
