Consultation on Scottish construction’s post-pandemic future

The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has launched a consultation to examine what shape the post-pandemic construction industry in Scotland should take.

The consultation, which takes the form of a wide-ranging questionnaire,
asks construction companies about multiple issues that CICV said have not gone
away during the pandemic, as they begin a phased return to work.

Forum chair and Select managing director Alan Wilson, said:
”All too often we are told that a body or organisation is the ‘voice’ of a
sector but to be the voice, first of all you must listen to what members are
saying.

“Being the ‘ears of the industry’ is a concept often sadly
forgotten and this piece of work aims do just that – listening to what the industry
wants before suggesting options for change.”

The consultation is being led by consultant Len Bunton, and
has been compiled with the input of four quantity surveying firms, as well as
Ian Honeyman, commercial director of the Scottish Building Federation, and Ken
Lewandowski, former local chairman of Clydesdale Bank.

Bunton said: “We want to look at the endemic problems of low
tendering, no margins and the lack of regard for competency and experience.
Serious cashflow and payment issues, poor quality and health and safety
problems are also consistent concerns for the industry.

“We also need to consult with public and private sector
clients who are the lifeblood of the industry, as their investment creates
employment for the construction sector in Scotland.”

He added: “The consultation makes the point that the CICV
Forum, which was quickly and efficiently assembled to deal with the ongoing
effects of the shutdown, has demonstrated the desirability of disparate parties
coming together to work for the mutual benefit of the sector.”

The CICV is made up of trade associations, professional
services bodies, companies and individuals, including the Chartered Institute
of Building (CIOB). It came into being in March with advice on how to operate
safely while carrying out emergency or essential work.

It has since been drawing on the collective expertise of its
members to maintain a supply of information
and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys,
producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and speaking regularly with government
ministers.