April Overview – Andy Ferguson
I wanted to start my opening remarks with a reflection on my first few months on the Board of CESW. Joining the Board at the end of last year was an easy decision for me as we, in the Bristol office of Gallagher, work with clients in the construction industry every day on their insurance and risk management needs. It made total sense to use our experience in the sector and join forces with CESW to support our clients, existing and future, with their work in this vibrant economy in the South West. It’s been a whirlwind few months hearing about the plans for 2022 and, with my colleagues, meeting members from various hubs.
As we turn into the second quarter of the year there’s a real feel of excitement and buzz within the meetings and conversations about getting back out there and meeting with colleagues, partners and friends at the numerous events in the calendar for this year.
It looks like (dare I say it out loud) that this is the year we can start to get back out again and enjoy some real events. There’s no doubt that we’re better together and there is much we can learn from each other to improve the construction industry in the South West, be that a structured training event, sharing best practice or simply a decent networking event with conversations over a drink and something to eat. For our part, with Gallagher as the sponsorship partner for the series of Leadership dinners this year, it’s been great to see the series start with a successful event in Newquay at the beginning of March. I’m told there was no shortage of debate and discussion on the key topics, and I look forward to seeing the output from the event and attending the Bath Leadership dinner myself in May.
There’s a couple of upcoming events on the calendar that I wanted to highlight and encourage you to register for and attend;
· Firstly, the Hinkley Point Sharing Best Pratice event on April 27th in Weston Super Mare where a fantastic line-up of speakers will talk us through the issues and critical considerations for Europe’s largest construction project
· Secondly, the CESW Housing Summit on 18th May in Exeter which looks to be a superb morning programme including round table discussions on topics such as procurement, planning and Future Homes Hub
Continuing the theme of getting together, you may have noticed that Gallagher sponsor the Rugby Premiership. We are always looking to offer tickets and sometimes hospitality to our clients, future clients and trading partners so don’t be shy in expressing your interest if you like a day out at The Rec or Ashton Gate. We work hard but also enjoy a day or evening out with fellow like-minded professionals with good conversation watching local elite sport over a beer or glass of wine.
I’d like to close by wishing the best of luck to everyone who has submitted an entry to the CE South West awards with the shortlist that comes out later this month.
