Last week we reported on the pipeline of work (literally in the case of Welsh Water) for Welsh construction to take advantage of. This week we should point out the ongoing drive to make sure that whatever it is being built, designed, engineered, managed or refurbished, there is a desire to do it right.

Of course, CEW advocates that collaborative working, integrated teams and procurement processes rooted in value and not the cheapest price are the way forward. But, even though the best practice route is the one that helps achieve Government targets on waste, low carbon and community benefits there is a lot of detail to take care of first.

One such detail is the disposal of our construction and demolition waste. The Green Compass scheme has addressed how contractors work alongside accredited waste management companies. But now, the new SkipAdvisor app makes a link between builders and homeowners and ensure that the management, disposal and recycling of waste is managed effectively and efficiently. Alongside this innovative app, we have initiatives such as LENDERS as well as projects such as HUGS (are you getting enough).

Our industry is inventive, dedicated and continually seeking better ways to add value. That’s why we need to celebrate how good it is. Which is why it is worth pointing out the latest shortlisted nominees for our CEW Awards – the SMEs.

Often unsung heroes, these SME organisations are the bedrock of Welsh construction. In case you missed it, here is the shortlisted SMEs: Cambria Consulting Ltd, Caulmert Limited and CD Gray & Associates Ltd (firms up to 50 employees) and then for firms from 51 to 250 people Andrew Scott, Boyes Rees Architects Ltd, Contract Services (South Wales) Limited and Morganstone Limited.