It is no surprise that despite the result of last week’s Scottish Referendum, the issues around devolved Government and more decision making powers for Wales, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and perhaps even larger cities across the UK remain in the public eye. But one of the strongest messages emerging from the debates around the referendum is the need for collaboration. No matter if the countries are united politically, without close partnership nothing can be achieved of any lasting consequence.

We have known this for some time because the concept of integrated teams and collaborative procurement is at the heart of all that CEW advocates. It is how we will be able to move Wales to a zero carbon and zero waste economy. It is why we firmly believe that Building Information Modelling is one of the most critical new ideas within our industry right now.

But we have to keep reminding everyone in our industry supply chain that collaboration is the answer. At the top when we seek to influence and educate Government Ministers and civil servants we need to reinforce the message by demonstrating categorically that our argument is right with firm evidence.

At the sites where our work can be over looked we must work harder to engage with the labourers, crane operators, engineers and brick layers that working as a team is the answer. We need to engage with every single one of the industry stakeholders – skilled, unskilled, managers, designers and suppliers – and make sure they each know they have a part to play in taking our industry forward.

Last week we saw positive news about the Circuit of Wales; work began on Rhiwbina flood scheme in Cardiff and a project to construct a new Welsh Ambulance Service and a North Wales Fire and rescue centre was announced. Across Wales projects are being devised, coming to site or finishing – but all need a collaborative approach and a strong, positive culture and behaviours from beginning to end if we can cut waste, reduce carbon and deliver on Welsh Government targets to create a sustainable economy.