Let’s here it for collaborative working in 2010
2nd February 2010
Now is the time to champion best practice and collaborative working; it is the only way Welsh construction can work towards Government zero carbon and waste targets and deliver successful projects.
No one can pretend that 2010 is going to be an easy year. But it can be a positive one depending on the decisions we make and if we stick to our resolutions. In the CEW column in the Western Mail in early January, we said that the current economic conditions give us two choices.
Either we allow the situation to force the sector deeper into recession; or we grit our teeth and restate our commitment to the concept of best value, quality-driven procurement methods as championed by Egan and Latham. Our industry has the potential to build Wales out of the current slump, but must be united – both at client and supply level – in commitment and approach. We must hold our nerve.
In this, our first e-newsletter (they are going to be monthly) it is great to see evidence of the industry pulling together. The SWW Club event will help SMEs appreciate the importance of collaborative working; the demonstration projects highlight the benefits of teamwork and it is clear to everyone that we cannot deliver on our targets without an integrated approach – up and down the supply chain. Our industry can build Wales out of recession, that was certainly the mood at our -40C question time session held on 26 January, but only if we work together.
We must still work hard to educate clients about the benefits of collaborative working. Clients need to champion best practice to allow the supply chain to deliver commercially robust best value outcomes. The procurement task force will help achieve some of this in the public sector and hopefully private sector clients will watch and learn. It is vital that as we start to talk about a possible recovery beginning, we do not revert to the good old bad old days of lowest price tendering.
In 2010, construction has to resolve to hold its nerve, focus on sustainability and energy efficient building systems and simply, keep calm and carry on. Watch out for our monthly newsletters from now on as we help the industry to achieve its goals via a collaborative approach. If you want to contribute an article or have some news to share then do get in touch via the website or at info@cewales.org.uk