The CEW offices have recently been awash with examples of how outstanding Welsh construction is right now. Why now? Well, we are fast closing in on the final run-in by our judges for the CEW Awards. The standard of the entries has been higher than ever, with some notable examples of best practice in core areas. Alongside this we have been keeping a watchful eye on activities at the Senedd as whatever the balance of power and composition of the Government, it is critical that we as an industry make sure our political leaders recognise how important Welsh construction is.

What’s more, we must make people more aware that collaborative working, integrated team working and a focus on long term value is the best way to achieve community benefits for local people and to create an environment and economy everyone will benefit from. Construction is the great enabler – but only if given the freedom to do it right.

One example of that need to work in a specific manner is in Welsh housing. There is some great work to be done in this area – not least in the refurbishment of our many traditional built properties.

Wales has many more than the rest of the UK and hence has some particular issues that need addressing. We will be looking at this very shortly, but rest assured the solution will be industry driven.