Editor's comment: A key time for construction...

So it's all change, wherever you are in the UK. Now Gordon Brown has come in and put his own stamp on government, completing a huge amount of political change within the UK across all the home nations.

At the time of the last General Election, few would have put their money on the SNP and Plaid Cymru becoming truly serious forces in politics. And some may have wondered whether Gordon Brown would ever become Prime Minister, or would he remain ever the bridesmaid, never the bride?

Whatever their party hue, all politicians are keen to deliver better education, better healthcare and better infrastructure. And that means work for the construction industry.

But events such as last week's terrorist attacks, as the pressure in Iraq and Afghanistan mounts, and as spending mounts on other projects such as the Olympics, government budgets will increasingly come under strain.

In Scotland, the effects have already been seen, with several key infrastructure schemes facing delay as the new Executive prioritises spending. And there is no doubt that the same process will be undertaken in Wales, Northern Ireland and England.

With such turmoil and change in government - central and devolved - it is clear that there is a huge amount of work to be done by those who have influence.

It's all too easy to assume that the 300 trade bodies for construction will play their part. And no doubt they will. But it isn't as simple as that. With so many political masters to communicate with, the job is massive.

And that means that every contractor has a role to play in lobbying, in talking to local political representatives, and for making sure that construction is, and remains, a priority. Time spent talking now will be time well spent if it secures the future of many of the UK's construction businesses.