The CEW Awards 2017 held two weeks ago at the Celtic Manor once again showcased all that is excellent about Welsh construction. This week’s newsletter gives a rundown of the winners but  without being there it is difficult to express the atmosphere in the room on the night. There is a real spirit of celebration, collaboration and a strong sense of team work. 

Construction in Wales is doing great things and it is right to celebrate the absolute best elements of those achievements and reward the organisation and individuals responsible. But, like Rhodri Gwynn-Jones said, now is not the time to rest on our laurels. Indeed, with the change in funding and the apparent lack of planning to coordinate policy regarding construction in Wales and the lack of representation at a strategic level for the industry as a whole at a senior central and local Government level now is the time to work together to champion best practice.

What CEW does adds value. The work of the CEW team does drive change, influence policy and deliver positive outcomes. One excellent example is the LENDERS project – explained fully below and launched last week in Westminster. This ground-breaking research recommending that two small changes to the mortgage calculation process to drive real long-lasting change to energy improvements in the housing market started with CEW and a collaboration with BRE. Our work spurred on a longer programme of work backed by UK Government and delivered in partnership with key stakeholder groups. That’s the value we add. It is clear from the evidence of our work over the past year and the ten years or so before that. It was abundantly clear from the atmosphere and recognition at the CEW Awards. 

Thank you for your ongoing support.