Andrew Wolstenholme is to take over as industry chair of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) following its meeting on October 21.
The council was created in 2013 to work between industry and Government to identify and deliver actions to improve efficiency, skills and growth in UK construction.
The incumbent chair, David Higgins, recently oversaw a renewal of the Council, which reduced its size from 30 members to 13 and removed the role of Government’s chief construction advisor (CCA). The changes were reportedly in response to calls from the sector to make it more effective and business-focused, with members drawn from construction firms.
The council meets four times a year and Mr. Wolstenholme will be joined by the government chair, minister of state jointly for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Education, Nick Boles. As industry chair, CLC says he brings experience of managing Europe’s largest civil construction project, Crossrail and the on-time delivery of Heathrow’s Terminal 5. Mr. Wolstenholme also has a long standing career in engineering and infrastructure, starting in the Royal Engineers.
Commenting on his appointment, Andrew Wolstenholme said: “I am delighted to be taking over as the co-chair of the CLC at a time when building new infrastructure is at the heart of the Government’s plans to foster sustainable economic growth across the UK. The Council will continue to build upon what has already been achieved under David [Higgins’] chairmanship and will focus on leading the construction industry to be more productive, innovative, skilled and internationally exportable.
“Construction can be the next great British success story, on a par with the automotive and aerospace sectors, with the Council, Government and industry working together at the forefront of this effort.”
Nick Boles said: “The new CLC will bring together key industry leaders to deliver effective change. As chairman Andrew brings the unrivalled experience of managing Europe’s largest infrastructure project and construction roles across the world.
“He will take over from Sir David, who has provided invaluable leadership for the construction industry at a key time of recovery and growth.”
David Higgins said: “When I took on the industry chair role of the Council I was clear with ministers that I thought it too large to be effective. Having reached the point where we have created a smaller, more clearly industry led Council, it is a good time to hand over the baton.”
