Scottish watchdog appoints first approved licensing body

Scotland's independent quality watchdog, the Construction Licensing Executive (CLE), has appointed Scottish Building as one of its first approved licensing bodies.

Sid Patten, chief executive of the main Scottish employer organisation, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Scottish Building has completed the very strict accreditation process set by the CLE and has now achieved approved licensing body status. We will now set about the process of encouraging our members to apply for registration as licensed contractors."

He added: "The CLE is an excellent example of the industry recognising the need for self regulation. But the desire remains that in due course the industry's efforts will be backed up and strengthened by statutory legislation."