It’s hard to believe that we are near the mid-point of 2023 already. Time has certainly flown by. As we entered the new year we saw a time of uncertainty ahead of us, and not much has changed really.
We managed to fight back a looming recession due to soaring prices for energy and increasing interest rates. But a backlog of construction projects from what could be a hangover from lockdown or a nervousness with the industry as a whole has kept us all busy. Perhaps as busy as ever.
It’s certainly not all doom and gloom. There are challenges ahead but we see the South-West construction industry moving along as reported in the press. We’ve seen an increase in detailed planning approvals and an increase in our projects getting to sight.
On the whole we all remain busy, even it’s a little harder to get it over the line.
With regards Constructing Excellence, all our regions appear to be engaging with a flurry of events. We’ve seen the launch of the Construction Industry Collaboration Initiative. Which is now being rolled out across the south-west. Never has ‘Collaborative’ working been more prevalent. The need for collaboration to improve contract delivery and projects through the supply chain given the current economic climate typified by market contraction, labour and skill shortages and supply chain issues.
It’s this reason that Construction Excellence Gloucestershire decided to partner with Constructing Excellence South West and Leaders Meet.
I’m sure all our readers are aware of the CICI. However, just to recap the aims and goals include:
Aims of the Initiative
– The aim of this initiative is to meet the following goals:
– Improve understanding of what effective Collaboration is and why Collaboration is important for the Construction Sector;
– Change negative beliefs and attitudes about Collaboration;
– Create a culture across the Construction sector and between parties where Collaboration and Collaborative thinking and behaviour can flourish;
– Motivate leaders to establish and lead Collaborative contracts, projects, and joint ventures;
– Engage all stakeholders in thinking and behaving Collaboratively at every opportunity;
– Share knowledge, learning, and experience about Collaboration and how it can be fostered and best built;
– Continually work to improve Collaboration skills across the Construction sector.
Goals of the Initiative
– Deliver and facilitate a Certificate training programme based upon the Collaboration Research
– Carry out and publish continuing research into Collaboration to ascertain if behaviours are changing that currently prevent Collaboration effectively working in the sector;
– Act as a resource as well as a focus point for the promotion of Collaboration in the Construction sector;
– Continue to develop potential further Collaboration training to support the certificate programme e.g. Leadership for Collaboration;
– Provide members with online quarterly workshops for members;
– Maintain and action a continuous awareness campaign to change beliefs and attitudes about Collaboration and promote its benefits across the Construction sector;
– Employ existing and develop new tools and instruments to help members and organisations to improve all facets of Collaboration;
– Provide opportunities via a platform to share learning, experience, and knowledge of Collaboration and Collaborative working;
If you are interested in booking a place, all details can be found on the website link below: https://hub.leadersmeets.com/cici
The last month has also seen the shortlist for the Constructing Excellence South West awards. I was honoured to be asked to judge a number of categories again this year.
Not an easy task given the entries that were put forward for 2023. The calibre of projects has certainly risen, giving a great benchmark for construction across the south-west. I look forward to the final part of the judging process which is imminent. Although the winners are yet to be agreed ahead of the awards presentation on 20th July in Bristol, I am very confident that whoever represents the region at the national level will do so with great promise.
I would like to wish all those who have been shortlisted all the very best of luck
