Following the Government's 19 July statement on the Farmer Review of construction labour models (published October 2016), ECA director of business, Paul Reeve and BESA director of legal and commercial, Rob Driscoll, have responded.
Mr Reeve and Mr Driscoll offered the following comment: ''The ECA and BESA are pleased that the government supports the importance of a 'sector deal' for the construction and engineering services industry, in its response to the Farmer Review.
“We are also grateful for the recognition from the government of the BESA/ECA thought leadership, in areas such as skills and digitalisation, contained within our Industrial Strategy response.
“The Construction Leadership Council’s stated aim for a sector deal that goes beyond just a transformation in how UK assets are designed and built is laudable. The CLC’s focus instead on how whole life asset performance and procurement can optimise and transform the construction and operation of built-assets is vital to the industry’s future success.
“The engineering services sector is acknowledged as being fundamental to the success of any sector deal and we look forward to working with the government and CLC to help deliver these goals. This success is dependent on significant changes to current construction and operation delivery models, including significant digitalisation.
“In ensuring the industry embraces the productivity and growth opportunities presented through transformative technological changes, we also support the Farmer Review’s reference to the value of project bank accounts and new insurance models. These are designed to encourage early supply chain involvement and innovation within agile procurement techniques.
“It’s positive to see that government recognises its major role as a smart client, and BESA and ECA offer any help they can provide to reduce barriers to innovation and investment in skills. We will continue to work closely with the CLC and other bodies to ensure the planned sector deal meets the design, build and whole life needs of clients.''