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25 May 2010

Building for the future

New moves to strengthen the Island’s construction industry have been announced by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry.

Representatives of all sectors of the industry have come together to form the Island Construction Hub, and one of its first targets is to seek to work with the Isle of Wight Council, which is reviewing its procurement process.

Geoff Banks, of GJ Banks (IW) Limited, and a Director of the Chamber, is Chair of the Hub.  He said: “There is an urgent need for everyone in the Island's construction industry to speak with one voice to the regulators and our clients in both public and private sectors. We need to work together to ensure that the Island's industry is robustly represented and see that Island contracts are available to and served by Island companies.”

Members of the Hub include representatives from building contractors, developers, architects, surveyors, engineers, estate agents, the Council and housing associations.

Mr Banks said he was keen to encourage all construction-related businesses to get involved.

“We want to know what problems are being experienced, so that we can tackle them together,” he said. “And we want to hear from those who are not Chamber members, too, so that we can achieve stronger representation – and become a voice for the whole industry.”

The Hub’s remit includes:

• Creation and protection of Island jobs 

• Monitoring major contracts, including the Roads PFI, and providing information and support 

• Advice and support on new regulations 

• Identifying training needs and increasing quality standards 

• Identifying and sharing best practice 

• Improving dialogue and working with the industry's clients. 

Businesses wanting more information about the Construction Hub should send a message to: chamber@iwchamber.co.uk