Member News
20th October 2011
Chief construction advisor Paul Morrell is to stay in his position for a further 12 months to ensure continuity in the construction industry, it has been announced.
Minister for business and enterprise, Mark Prisk, who made the announcement at the Construction Products Association’s parliamentary reception, credited the work of Mr Morrell as one of the key reasons for the government’s good working relationship with the construction industry.
Morrell, a chartered quantity surveyor by profession, was first appointed chief construction advisor in December 2009.
"The experience he has brought in advising me and the rest of the government is crucial," Prisk said.
To emphasise the importance of continuity in the relationship between government and industry, Prisk reminded the audience of the challenge he set at the same reception last year to see whether he would still be in post this year. "I am still here", he said.
Under two weeks into his new role in the shadow cabinet, Iain Wright MP, shadow minister for competitiveness and enterprise, said he too was determined to be a friend to the construction sector. He pledged his support in ensuring the construction industry is at the very centre of any economic recovery.
The importance of the construction industry to the UK economy is demonstrated in the figures: with an annual turnover of £50bn, it makes up five per cent of the country’s GDP.
Chairman of the Construction Products Association, Bill Bolsover, called on the government to stick to its spending plans, but "rebalance the economy".
"Economic growth is faltering, and if we are going to return to a path of long-term economic prosperity, things have got to be done," he said.
In order to "kick-start" the housing market, he urged the government to look at ways to help first-time buyers enter the property market.
"We need to look at the mortgage indemnity guarantee scheme, or a government-backed saving scheme," he said.
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