New alliance aims to create strong economic future for the region

AN alliance has been formed in Yorkshire and the Humber to maximise the impact of infrastructure spending and devolution of powers.

The Yorkshire and Humber Infrastructure Alliance says it represents 80% of the industry in the region. Included in the membership are the Institution of Civil Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Construction Industries Council, Constructing Excellence, Construction Industries Training Board and Association for Consultancy and Engineering.

An Infrastructure and Transport Manifesto is being developed to provide a single voice for the industry within the region, to influence and inform a regional approach to growth and development. Publication of the Manifesto is scheduled for February 2015, at which point the Alliance will be aiming to gather cross party political support for its recommendations, ahead of the General Election.

Alliance chairman Steve Carmody, chairman of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transport Yorkshire and Humber, said: “We have seen a number of announcements in recent months, regarding devolution within England and the creation of the Northern Economic Hub, as well as the various proposals outlined in and around the Autumn Statement.

“Such an emphasis upon infrastructure is welcome, however, the impact of this positivity must be maximised, which is why the members of the Yorkshire and Humber Infrastructure Alliance has come together as a single industry voice to create a strong economic future for the region.”