CICV Forum rebrands to reflect expanded remit within Scotland’s construction sector

Fiona Hodgson

THE Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has announced it has changed its name to reflect its expanded remit as the organisation attempts to tackle a wide range of issues facing the sector in Scotland.

The alliance of trade associations and professional bodies, which was set up almost two years ago at the start of the pandemic, has been rebranded as the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV).

The move has been hailed as a ‘natural evolution’ for the body, whose range of work now includes Brexit, net zero, supply chain, employment and skills, project bank accounts and the launch of the Green Home Festival in 2022.

Alan Wilson, CICV chair and MD of electrical trade association SELECT, said, “The New Year is a time for new beginnings and this change of name is a logical step for a body which has exceeded expectations in every department. As we have all seen recently, the pandemic can still surprise us, but the strong feeling across the organisation is that it is time to move on from purely Covid-related activity and turn our collective attentions to many other pressing matters.

“This new purpose will be underpinned by the teamwork and togetherness which the CICV has generated, as well as the sharing of ideas and information which has worked so well and which has produced such good results. By retaining the CICV initials which have become so well known across the industry, the body can maintain its respected profile and build on the unprecedented collaboration and co-operation which has changed ways of thinking and working across the built environment.”

The organisation has created a new position of vice chair, which will be filled by Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF). She said, “I am delighted and extremely honoured to take on this important role and help steer the ongoing work of the CICV through this natural evolution. As we move on at this time, it is worth reflecting on the remarkable co-operation and collaborative working which the organisation has fostered in an industry which previously has been seen as very competitive, and even confrontational.

“One of the great lessons of the pandemic months has been that we are much stronger together and it will be in that spirit that we now devote our efforts to securing the future of a great industry and all the people in it.

“The new name recognises that we have become the authoritative voice for the sector, speaking strongly on its behalf and fighting for the future of all its disparate elements. Our members operate throughout Scotland’s built environment supply chain, and the organisation is still attracting new members, so it is clear that there is a healthy appetite for the services which the CICV will continue to offer as we move forward in 2022.”