People are the heart of everything that we do. It might be a truism that construction is a people industry, but respect for each other, investing in skills and focusing on the benefits to local communities are the bedrock of our future. Economics might mean that it is tempting to focus on short term cost cutting and harsh negotiation around price, but a long term successful navigation of a recovery and a stronger Welsh construction industry requires more forethought, courage and conviction. The kind of things we all need to resolve to have more of in 2014.

That’s why the announcement by Network Rail to rethink how it works with its suppliers is good news – especially for Wales. Network Rail’s decision to shake up its supplier chain thinking long term and embracing collaborative working. If you have read reports such as our own No Turning Back or Andrew Wolstenholme’s Never Waste a Good Crisis the logic in Network Rail’s approach makes total sense. If you’ve not read them yet then click on the links here or call one of our team and we will discuss them with you.

Meanwhile we need to think about the festive season. Many sites and offices shut down over the break for a well earned rest. That’s a good thing because we will need to be very focussed in 2014. Construction is improving; output is up and expectations are high – but we must not take short cuts. We must continue to improve the performance of the industry and focus on best practice.

Merry Christmas and have a prosperous and collaborative New Year.