Civils contractors welcomed the news that Nadhim Zahawi MP has been appointed construction minister by urging him to focus on implementing the Construction Sector Deal and creating the resilient, highly skilled industry required to deliver the world class infrastructure that will drive economic growth across the UK.
Mr. Zahawi was appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 26 July 2019, and has been Member of Parliament for Stratford-on-Avon since 2010.
It was announced that he is to take charge of the new Government’s construction brief earlier today.
Commenting, Director of External Affairs for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Marie-Claude Hemming said: “We welcome Mr. Zahawi’s appointment and look forward to working closely with him in his new role.
“The construction industry underpins our entire society. Few sectors have the impact on all sectors of society and the potential to create large numbers of high-skilled, well-paid jobs, driving growth in the economy and delivering for businesses and communities across the UK.
“That’s why it’s so important that the new Construction Minister focusses on making the Construction Sector Deal a success, taking steps to attract new entrants to the sector, and upskill the existing workforce.
“Once the UK leaves the European Union the pipeline of planned investment will be transformative, securing the economy by driving growth, creating jobs, and delivering the projects that will act as the backbone of the economy.
“Mr Zahawi is taking up this role at an exciting time, but there are challenges to be faced to ensure the construction and infrastructure sectors can fulfil their potential as key engines of economic growth in the months and years ahead.”
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