News

Irrespective of Brexit, European legislation is changing the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations.  G4C invited Stefan Boss, Associate at Peter Brett Associates to talk to us about the forthcoming update and what it means to us in the construction industry.

Thanks to Stefan for his talk, and to those that attended.

A copy of the presentation is below:

160928 - EIA Presentation to G4C FINAL_Website.pdf

Thank you to all who attended 'Closing the Performance Gap' event.  Please find presentations and images of flip charts below.

Closing the performance Gap - Berkshire CE event 15-09-16.pptx

160915_C4C Reading with CE.pdf

We first introduced our local Thames Valley Berkshire LEP to members via a breakfast event in February 2014. 

Since, we have sought to broaden our perspective; in February 2015 our  'LEP Update'  included EnterpriseM3 and in 2016 the Oxfordshire LEP. Thus ensuring that we are expanding the discussion, geographically, in terms of understanding the annual progress and priorities for the LEPs, and by bringing a fresh perspective so that we can support and input into their activity.

Speaking from a Local Authority perspective this year was Councillor Tony Page (Lead for Strategic Environment, Planning & Transport for Reading Borough Council), and with LEP introductions from Bill Hicks of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP and Richard Byard from The OxLEP  the focus was on 'Growth and Skills'.

While there were distinct differences each spoke with conviction about talent, skills and growth and through the subsequent debate these themes connected back to broader visions for the Thames Valley. It was a pleasure to see the conversation encompassing the property and construction industries plus the big issue of affordable housing. 

It is this silo busting that we strive for; facilitating a dialogue between the private and public sectors, enabling conversations across institutional, organisational and geographical boundaries. More than an update on ‘Growth Deals’ and funding opportunities this was silo busting with immediate and direct impact; Cllr. Tony Page reminded Oxfordshire that a third vehicular river crossing is essential; recruiters in our audience persuaded practitioners to participate in their new cross sector research; home grown engineering consultancy JDP is now feeding directly back to Reading and Oxfordshire Councils on recruitment, growth and business rates; and Derek Rees of SECBE /Constructing Excellence petitioned for a new construction network connecting the three organisations.

As always the powerpoint presentations are the starting point, the word ‘tech’ appeared on the screen a number of times but there is diversity across the two markets; TVBLEP referred to tech in the digital / computer industry while Oxfordshire is now leading the way in ‘Space Tech’ and, as a by-product, their electronics sector is gaining significant momentum too. 

The LEPs are clearly helping to identify and promote the factors that distinguish our regions, be they economic opportunities or niche sectors. Did you know that Reading Buses offer a social dividend instead of a financial one to their Local Authority? An innovative idea, right. By understanding the nuances of each interconnection and providing the support required we can build strong growth in the years to come. 

We need more innovative ideas. The LEPs work at a strategic level to address long term stability and opportunity as well as immediate challenges. There is a lot of activity in our region today, all helping to drive these ideas, be it Reading CIC from an economic growth perspective or visioning exercises such as Reading 2050, Futurebuild and many more. As local practitioners and businesses we need to try to understand and actively feed into the work of the LEPs.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts; the face-to-face conversations that enliven and move the debate forwards happen when you are in the same room. In the meantime can you contribute by making one new cross sector introduction? Come on, get involved! 

Many thanks to Kier Group and Oxford Properties for their generous sponsorship of this event.

By Jen Forakis (HOOP / Constructing Excellence Berkshire) and Jenni Montgomery (Barton Willmore / Thames Valley Women in Property)

 

Councillor Tony Page (Deputy Leader of the Council & Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning & Transport) and Nigel Horton-Baker, Executive Director from Reading UK CIC (The Economic Development Company for Reading), talked through the recent projects they’ve been involved in and their aspirations and concerns for the Towns futures.

The presentations and Q&A that followed highlighted a number of projects occurring in and around Reading and the opportunities for the town in the near future.  However, Councillor Page and Nigel also made aware a number of issues the town continues to face and stressed the importance of addressing these.

Following the presentations delegates enjoyed wine, beer and an opportunity to network.

Presentation link below:

Const Excellence Event Oct 15.ppt

Slides from the event

Master_Presentation_2015 Reading CoE.PDF

Ever wondered what your colleagues in the construction industry get up to at work? 

Well, that’s exactly what attendees of our latest G4C Berkshire event wanted to find out. Seven willing volunteers from a range of companies and disciplines across the industry each gave a ten minute presentation about their career to date and how they got there. We heard about what a typical day involves, what's great about their jobs and what part of their roles others just don’t realise or appreciate. 

Generation for Change (G4C) is a branch of Constructing Excellence for young passionate people who want to change the construction industry for the better. Learning about what others do reflected the need for collaborative working and was very beneficial in encouraging this. 

Feedback from the event has been very positive and we hope to repeat the event in 2016. Watch this space! 

Many thanks to everyone that attended, not forgetting our speakers: 

* Planner - Zahra Alrashed, Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners 
* Cost Manager - Daniel Bland, Clarkson Alliance 
* Environmental Scientist - Neil Young, Peter Brett Associates 
* Solicitor - Victoria Kempthorne, Clarkslegal 
* Acoustics Consultant - Nicholas Jones, Hilson Moran 
* Design Manager - James Hole, Kier Construction 
* Architect - Neha Abayawardana, Barton Willmore