Construction roadshow encourages new ways of working

Minister of Finance and Personnel, Mark Durkan, has called on those working in public sector construction procurement to focus on new working practices.

Speaking at a “Rethinking Construction” conference in the King’s Hall, Mr Durkan addressed an audience of over a hundred delegates about the need for debate and discussion on both a national and regional level in order to ascertain the best way forward for the construction sector.

He said: "A vibrant, efficient and innovative construction industry is essential both in terms of its contribution to the local economy and its ability to give the client what he wants. To help bring this about, the public sector client needs to develop new ways of working."

The Belfast event is just one of 12 construction industry roadshows taking place across the UK which aims to spread the message contained Sir John Egan’s 1998 Report 'Rethinking Construction' to both the public and private sector.

In the report Egan called for commitment from Government to help create and sustain the environment needed to enable dramatic improvements in construction performance, and to encourage the public sector to become best practice clients.

"A best practice client expects well designed projects, providing best value in whole life terms and projects that are delivered in a safe, efficient and sustainable way," added Mr Durkan. "It is important that we break with the old adversarial culture, which has dogged construction in the past and embrace new ways of working, which focus on openness, teamwork and commitment."

Mr Durkan concluded by presenting certificates to representatives of some 30 organisations, which have been involved with Demonstration Projects under the guidance of the Movement for Innovation (M4I), a body set up by Government to implement the Egan Report. (CL)