AFTER nine months of proactive and innovative support for Scotland’s building sector, the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum continues to attract new members, this week welcoming another two major organisations to its ranks.
The unique collective, which was established in March as COVID-19 struck, has been at the vanguard of the battle to save the construction sector in Scotland during the first enforced shutdown and to help it through the difficult conditions which have followed.
As widespread interest in its work remains undiminished, the Forum is now welcoming the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) and the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) as the latest bodies to become full members.
Their arrival means the Forum now has 27 full member bodies from across Scotland and beyond, including Government agencies, private companies, professional services and training bodies, plus 27 further organisations contributing advice to its seven sub-groups.
Forum Chair and SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, said: “We are delighted to welcome these new organisations and we greatly appreciate the contribution they will make to our ongoing efforts.
“The Forum, in its daily activities and in its comprehensive provision of practical information and advice, has performed an unprecedented service to every component part of our vital industry and each new member brings new strengths.”
CICES, founded in 1969, is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for civil engineering surveying, satisfying the needs of the construction industry throughout the world. It was incorporated in 1972
Stephen Slessor, the Morrison Construction Regional Director who was recently appointed as President of CICES, said: “We have been impressed at the professionalism with which the Forum has helped the construction sector in Scotland to get safely back to work.
“Our organisation is well aware of the issues we all face at this unprecedented time and we look forward to being able to make a positive contribution to the Forum’s valuable work on behalf of the industry.”
The GGF represents companies that manufacture, supply or install glass and glazing products in the UK and internationally. As the industry authority, it promotes best practice and helps shape the highest technical and health and safety standards. The GGF is also the voice of the glass and glazing industry to local, devolved and central governments.
James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs, said: “Our Federation has a track record since 1977 of consistently setting and promoting the highest industry standards.
“We are pleased to join the CICV Forum as we share similar values and standards. Our aim is to contribute our views, concerns and information to the important work that the Forum continues to do on behalf of the broader industry. It is vitally important at this time to collaborate with like-minded organisations as the UK construction industry faces up to its greatest ever challenge.”
Since its creation in March, the Forum has been drawing on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, hosting webinars and making appeals to Government Ministers.
The manner in which it has co-ordinated this guidance by encouraging a culture of working together for mutual benefit is being noted across the sector as a model for future collaboration.
