There's nothing like having a single, unified voice representing your industry. And it looks as if construction has nothing like a single, unified voice. At least, not if the events of last week are anything to go by.
The newly created UK Contractors Group wisely chose the day of the Pre-Budget Report to announce that Stephen Ratcliffe and James Wates were jumping ship from the Construction Confederation to join them.
"At a time when economic conditions are becoming more challenging, we need a voice that is heard above the fray. I urge everyone who has been frustrated by industry fragmentation to come and join us," Wates said.
That sounds convincing, I thought. I was just coming round to the idea when the Construction Confederation revealed that it has a new executive chairman of its own, Manus Adamson.
And he had his own rallying cry for the industry, too: "Now, more than ever, as global economic uncertainty brings new challenges on a daily basis, construction needs to punch its weight in Whitehall," he exclaimed.
Ok, maybe I'll stick with the CC, I decided. But then I remember John McDonough's words, as he heralded the creation of the CBI Construction Council back in July: "The council's new strategic role at the heart of the CBI will enable the whole sector to benefit from the CBI's unrivalled access at the highest levels in Whitehall, Westminster and Brussels."
The last time I heard this many voices, men in white coats had to take me away.
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