As you read this our industry has entered the fourth quarter of the year and many of our stakeholders will be reviewing budgets and plans for the next financial year. It can be a testing time for all organisations, both in the private and public sector and it is always very valuable to have a totally clear idea of what the future holds to help with accurate forecasting. 

This is something that was central to the No Turning Back report CEW published in 2010. The industry requires a clear pipeline of work to enable it to allocate resources, prepare the procurement of materials and make sure the right teams are in place for the beginning of a scheme. Right now the industry is at something of a pinch point – especially with regard to materials and waste. Brick supplies are not consistently meeting demand, costs are rising. On the other hand we need to redouble our efforts to reuse, recycle and manage site waste better – all of which begins with making sure our people know the right way to operate. 

But the overall mood in the market place is positive. Indeed, new projects are being unveiled, schemes are going to site and big landmark proposals such as the new nuclear power station on Anglesey are increasing the good atmosphere in our industry. 

Now we need to ensure that everyone maintains the momentum. But at the same time that momentum has to be reinforced with fresh calls and substantive evidence that best practice, integrated team working and collaboration will help build the new facilities Wales demands. Welsh Government needs our industry to pull together and it needs all of us to drive the change agenda forward – now more than ever. 

Let’s back Wylfa Newydd and make certain that it’s completed on time, in budget and becomes another CEW Award winning exemplar project before it is operating in the 2020s.