A NEW construction group has been launched to work with Local Enterprise Partnerships across the West Midlands to unlock new commercial opportunities and mitigate against the economy’s current challenges.
The group will include built environment professionals from the region’s six LEPs alongside two representatives from Registered Social Landlords.
The West Midlands Centre for Constructing Excellence (WMCCE) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) are also partnering the project.
They said their aim was to share best practice and identify key opportunities which would benefit both the industry and the six LEP areas.
Key areas of focus for the new steering group will include supporting green technologies, accelerating strategic sites, helping firms understand the government’s new procurement agenda and improving skills and training.
WMCCE will support the new group by sharing low carbon and procurement best practice as well as providing business improvement advice.
WMCCE estimates there are around 23,000 construction companies within the West Midlands, a quarter of which employ 25 people or less.
Tony Hyde, managing director of Stourport-based Thomas Vale construction group and Worcestershire LEP board member, said: “It is imperative there is a true collaborative approach to the industry between all parties involved in order to unlock opportunities.
“By bringing together some of the most powerful and knowledgeable partners we have, we are confident that the new group can bring new and add to the already established tangible benefits to the region.”
