Welsh construction had the opportunity to showcase its landmark schemes and demonstrate best practice at an event held at the Senedd in Cardiff on Tuesday to celebrate the winners of the CEW Awards and ICE Wales Cymru in 2014. Carl Sargeant AM, the Minister for Natural Resources, attended the event and spoke proudly about how Wales is not just delivering outstanding projects in the UK, but probably leading the way across Europe as well. It was great to hear too, how the Minister recognises that Welsh construction is leading the way in waste management and low carbon so that we are not just building great houses, hospitals, offices and infrastructure but we are doing it sustainably as well.

With at least £500M worth of schemes on show throughout the Senedd the CEW and ICE Wales Cymru Award winners represented just the tip of the iceberg of construction work completed across Wales in the past year. Milica Kitson, CEO of CEW suggested that if all of the projects entered into both awards were added together the value of schemes would easily double.

But the event was not just a vehicle for celebrating success. It was also a means to highlight best practice, network and share ideas and experiences from right across the supply chain. One of our winners commented that the exposure and support from CEW was invaluable in terms of profile, setting up meetings and creating opportunities for discussion about sustainable construction methods as well as collaborative procurement.

He said: “When I filled in that entry form this time last year I could never have guessed what a great year CEW would help us make 2014! It’s been really brilliant meeting and working with you.”

So sharpen your pencils and consider your entries for the 2015 CEW Awards. The benefits are not just a prize and industry recognition – but a shot of adrenalin for business development and a chance to advocate best practice across Welsh construction.