A younger view on the Image of Construction

You are invited to the CIMCIG Chairman’s Debate, an annual event where CIMCIG’s senior members meet other key figures in the construction sector for a panel discussion about a key industry issue, followed by drinks.

This year we will be addressing the issue of the industry image. However, we plan a different twist. Rather than pack the panel with grey hair, as has often been the case for such events, our panel will be made up of younger people from the industry. It will be stimulated by a kick off speech by young-at-heart Don Ward, Chief Executive of Constructing Excellence. Our panel will be made up of Emily Dearman, AECOM; Charmaine Petty, Catnic; Robin Lapish, HS2; and Ben Pritchard, invent.

For years, the industry has complained that its public image does not do it justice, that our innovation and contribution to the World is not recognised. Now we are challenged on delivery, with what many say is an unachievable target of a million homes in a few years, and we sit in the midst of a skills crisis apparently borne of a lack of interest in entering the industry. What can we do about these linked but different problems?

Chair: Mike Lomax, Tarmac, Chair of CIMCIG

The event is by invitation only, and will be followed by a drinks reception.

Registration and refreshments are from 4pm, with the debate starting at 4.30pm and finishing at 6pm. Drinks will be served until 8pm.