The time for Welsh construction to flourish is now says Milica Kitson, chief executive of Constructing Excellence in Wales

FORTUNES are mixed for many Welsh business people and the construction industry is no exception.

Some people are nervous about what 2013 will bring, but at Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) we prefer to take a more positive but realistic view of the opportunities ahead. Not because we can see a recovery around the corner, but because we know there are opportunities for Welsh construction to achieve a sustainable recovery by working collaboratively and generating long term value.

A great deal of work has gone on behind the scenes to prepare the ground for a positive 2013. CEW was part of the team that helped define the Forward Programme of Work, a visible pipeline of work that allows the construction supply chain to prepare and invest ahead of the procurement process.

Throughout 2012 CEW led the Value Wales Procurement steering group working alongside industry and public sector representatives to develop the Welsh Government procurement strategy.

Jane Hutt will launch the procurement strategy and we are looking forward to an announcement from Government regarding borrowing powers.

These announcements will give the whole of the Welsh-built environment belief in the future – especially as we anticipate confirmation that some of the major projects the Welsh economy is demanding will be going ahead.

Here too, CEW has taken a key role at the heart of this work – driving forward a major project delivery task group to ensure that projects are procured and managed in the correct manner. And the right way is via collaboration, integrated teams and a wholly transparent approach.

It is the only way Government targets on waste, carbon and community benefits can be achieved. We know this from the results of our demonstration and exemplar programme and we can see improvement year on year in the annual CEW awards.

There are many far-sighted clients, consultants and contractors across Wales already working in this way and delivering sustainable social benefits in local communities and CEW showcases these results via its exemplar programme.

It has moved from strength to strength in 2012 and is underpinned by the three core elements of sustainable development: economic considerations, environmental impacts and social values.

The programme allows the lessons learnt to be shared across the industry, leading to improved performance and, ultimately, delivering greater value for money.

Waste and low carbon remain at the centre of our work and the whole of Welsh construction. Our waste team is building on last year’s successful launch of the waste sector plan and at the end of January is launching the public consultation for the draft regulations for site waste management plans.

CEW will be managing a series of workshops aimed at encouraging the industry to take an active part in the consultation process. Our low carbon hub is focusing its efforts on educating and informing industry and homeowners about the best way to refurbish and renovate Welsh homes, making them as energy efficient as possible.

Wales needs to improve the energy efficiency of its housing stock – for its own carbon footprint, but also for the sake of the construction industry. Everyone will benefit: SMEs, local people, communities and the wider Welsh economy. But it has to be done right.

The CEW message is watch this space; there’s more to follow. Building information modelling, the Sustainable Development Bill, advances in the exemplar programme and of course the 2013 CEW awards that showcase the very best of Welsh construction talent – it is all coming down the line in the next 12 months.

Welsh construction will be fighting back in 2013 and CEW will be in the industry’s corner providing vital coaching.