Construction is often said to be a barometer for the economy. First to suffer in an economic downturn and one of the last to recover because of the issues around gearing back up to speed after downsizing and finding skilled workers and resources. 

We are affected most by the changes in the world, but at the same time we have the power to enable tremendous improvements in how we live, work and play. Likewise, we can get it wrong too and we need to learn from our experiences – both good and bad. 

That’s why examples such as the Aberystwyth Fire Station and the work of WRW, or Stop Climate Chaos Cymru are just as important to showcase as stories about Brexit and the use of Drones to move materials and equipment. We need to constantly look to the future – but make sure that future is informed by what has gone right because of an adherence to best practice as well as be certain we stop repeating the mistakes of the past. 

Gordon Brown, who leads the CEW Exemplar programme reminded readers in the western Mail and Daily Post that our industry still has a tendency to forget why things go wrong. Often is a preoccupation with price leading to short cuts, poor process and bad decisions. Something emphasised in the recent BRE report we commissioned into the retrofit energy improvement work in Welsh homes. 

Let’s look ahead. Be bold – be innovative. Learn from events and ideas such as at Pentre Solar - Lessons in a sustainable model for energy poverty & housing – Pembrokeshire.