No matter what we say about collaboration, planning and better procurement process we can never forget that construction is a business.

That’s why the idea of prompt payment and Project Bank Accounts has real resonance for everyone in the supply chain. Cash is king and it is so often the bottom line that is the real driver for decision making. But a collaborative, long term vision often leads to far better and far more effective management of costs than pursuing short term gains. Investing in people now, developing the skills and planning ahead will save money in the longer run and allow better processes to be pursued and more sustainable projects to be completed. That is why creating a vision for our industry – such as the manifesto being championed by G4C Wales is such an important goal.

We need a plan, we need to have goals and objectives at which to aim because that is the only way our industry will improve and attain the targets on waste, sustainability and community benefits set by Government. The key to achieving the goals is to take a bigger picture approach – everything we do in our industry is linked. Right now, that is one of the central pieces of work of CEW – reminding everyone in the supply chain that we are all connected and we cannot operate, or make decisions about our industry in isolation.