Construction centre gets new ‘hub’

CONSTRUCTION businesses across the North West could benefit from a new £6m “knowledge hub” aimed at honing the region’s competitiveness and increasing productivity.

That’s according to the Northwest Regional Development Agency which has just part-funded the hub which will seek to help construction firms become more productive, cost effective and efficient, while reducing their environmental impact.

It has put in £1.5m, a figure matched by other public bodies in the North West. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has provided the balance of £3m.

The scheme was launched at the new University of Central Lancashire campus in Burnley by Rosie Winterton, Minister for regional economic development.

She said: “Business innovation and lowering carbon emissions must be key elements in a successful economic future. I am pleased to see the North West leading the way in promoting both.

“The Construction Knowledge Hub is a valuable chance for construction companies across the region to save money and become more profitable through better efficiency and waste reduction – something which is critical in the current economic climate.”