The construction sector is often accused of being too fragmented, with numerous organisations shouting over each other in their efforts to lobby government. So the creation of another initiative with the familiar remit of facilitating a single unified voice should be treated with some scepticism.
The Construction Council, to be set up by the CBI, was initiated at the request of Major Contractors Group (MCG) members, but it is difficult to see how it will have any more success.
If the construction interest group is to achieve anything, it will have to make sure its voice is the loudest. It's already made a start by undermining the Construction Confederation by effectively disbanding the MCG.
But apart from what it means for the Construction Confederation, questions remain over who the council will influence.
There is unlikely to be a direct link to the government as it will be informing CBI policy rather than Westminster. This could allow construction a greater voice in Parliament, but only if it's a CBI-approved message. And will this message now be fed through the proposed new chief construction officer?
At a time when bad news abounds and firms are fighting for their futures, what the industry needs is to make sure its concerns are clearly expressed. The Construction Council must fully represent the industry and be certain that its message will not be lost in translation by the CBI.
James Stagg
Deputy/Commissioning editor
Contract Journal
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