LONDON: More than 500 delegates attended the Government Construction Summit 2012, organised by Building magazine in conjunction with the Cabinet Office and the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills to encourage greater levels of dialogue between the construction sector and government departments.
LONDON: More than 500 delegates attended the Government Construction Summit 2012, organised by Building magazine in conjunction with the Cabinet Office and the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills to encourage greater levels of dialogue between the construction sector and government departments.
The inaugural one-day event was held at Park Plaza, Westminster, in London. Delegates heard keynote speeches from construction advisor Paul Morrell and the Rt Hon. Francis Maude MP, as well as Mark Prisk MP, minister for business and enterprise.
Tom Broughton, brand director, Building, said: "We want to see the pubic and private sector work better together and this conference is a sign of that improving relationship."
A line-up of industry speakers set out their thoughts on how to better procure major public projects and increase value.
Dr Uwe Krueger, Atkins' chief executive officer, said: "The UK Government has again made it clear the infrastructure sector must continue to create efficiencies for the public purse. Partnership is key, with the Government continuing to cut the red tape that can act as a drag on its supplies, and the sector must respond by showing the world-class innovation that the UK is famed for.
"With London 2012 just 25 days away, we must emulate the best athletes and create a fitter industry capable of beating all-comers."
Mike Putnam, president and chief executive officer of Skanska UK, said: "Around 40% of the projects we deliver as an industry are procured by the public sector. I believe that by sharing best practice across a number of areas, we can help both the future of the construction sector in the UK and, in the longer term, the British economy."
