There is a lot of intuition and an instinctive sense that our industry is slowly beginning to benefit from an upturn in the economy right now. Indeed, we have been promoting a more optimistic view of the world for some time. So it is great to see for the second month in a row that deals amongst the top 10 contractors in Wales are on the rise. In theory this should mean more work across the supply chain. That’s something we need to check and measure – with your help. Because if our industry is going to truly benefit from the green shoots of recovery being promoted by the UK Government and sensed around building sites – then we have to do it together.

One clear message from the research we have begun as we review No Turning Back and look to prepare a report that will set the agenda and guide our industry over the next four to five years is that we must bring everyone together.

Anyone that is doubtful of the value of collaborative procurement or wary of the benefit of frameworks and gains to be had from integrated team working is probably basing their views on what they have heard, and not what they have experienced directly. Our challenge now is to reach everyone involved in a procurement decision, from the various services in local government to the specialist suppliers and contractors.

Just as work is picking up is not the time to rest on our laurels and rely on the contracts just lining up to be won. The finished projects have to be planned, designed, procured and delivered right if we are to create a sustainable, dynamic and economically viable built environment for Wales. To achieve that we have to do it as a team.