CIOB talk construction and Bracknell regeneration with local MP

On Friday 17 July, the CIOB welcomed local MP, Dr Phillip Lee, to its Bracknell headquarters to discuss the work of the Institute, the ongoing regeneration of Bracknell town centre, and the socio-economic importance of the construction industry.  Dr Phillip Lee MP was welcomed to the Institute by CIOB Chief Executive Chris Blythe and Vice President Paul Nash FCIOB.

The regeneration of Bracknell town centre was a key talking point with work recently commencing on the £200 million project.  In particular how important quality is to the built environment and its ongoing sustainability where skilled construction professionals are creating value that is felt beyond the construction industry.

The redevelopment which is due to open in 2017, is project managed by international construction and consultancy company Mace, who hold a training partnership with the CIOB. 

During the visit, Dr Lee MP was given a guided tour of the CIOB offices, and spoke with senior staff about the role of the Institute and its education framework. The trio also discussed the supply of housing, and the Institute’s aim of increasing career up-take in construction. 

Locally, it is estimated that 3,300 construction workers are employed in the Bracknell constituency. As a proportion, this equates to approximately six per cent of the total workforce. During the visit, the CIOB’s Chris Blythe took the opportunity to discuss the Institute’s research on skills and migrant labour, and outlined the importance of the sector - given that official statistics suggest that construction accounts for more than six per cent of GDP, and ten per cent of total UK employment.   

Commenting on the visit, Dr Lee MP said: “It has been a pleasure to visit the headquarters of the CIOB today and learn more about the work of the Institute, and the importance of construction to the economy, both locally and nationally. Values such as transparency, trust and integrity are essential in the world of construction. Given the importance of these values, it’s immensely encouraging to see the CIOB establishing itself as a leader in the field of construction management – and actively teaching these qualities through their training and membership routes.

“It is easy to forget the impact and importance of the construction industry, particularly when much of the work happens off-site, and away from view.

Commenting on the picture locally, Dr Lee MP said: “The vision for Bracknell town regeneration is impressive and has the potential to deliver a wide range of benefits, including jobs for my constituents and households in the surrounding areas. It is especially encouraging to see the number of construction workers in my constituency up on the pre-recession figure. I thank the CIOB for an interesting and informative visit.”

After the visit, Chris Blythe, chief executive at the CIOB said: “I’d like to thank Dr Lee for visiting the CIOB today. We welcome the opportunity to engage with policy makers on a range of issues affecting the construction industry, and discuss our role in the built environment. 

“We are pleased to have the support of our local MP, and look forward to welcoming Dr Lee back in the future.”