CEWales Newsletter May 2025
On the 8th May we held the second South Wales Construction Summit with Welsh Government. Over 100 sector leaders and opinion formers and 9 exhibitors were in attendance. A huge thank you to our main event sponsor AtkinsRealis. From the feedback we received – it was a fantastic and informative event, rich in content with hugely credible and knowledgeable speakers.
The programme for the Summit was an opportunity to hear from Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy & Planning, event sponsor Atkins Realis on their perspective on the market and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We heard about the Welsh Government’s Just Transition programme, from the Leader of Cardiff City Council on its ambitious capital investment programme as well as Mark Farmer, a highly respected practitioner on his recent report to UK Government on the challenges facing skills and training within the sector, followed by an interactive panel discussion on skills and training. Ending with G4C and their inspiring programme of work, led by leaders of the next generation of built environment professionals.
It was great to see you there and hope to see you at the forthcoming North Wales Construction Summit on the 18th September.
The Cabinet Secretary opened the summit noting:
- The contract between WG and CEWales is now approaching its halfway point and has clearly demonstrated the value of this relationship
- The importance of the sector, as one of the foundational pillars of the Welsh economy
- Skills and training for entrants into the sector remains of high priority to many of the delegates
- Large numbers of men and women are employed in SMEs in the sector together with the even larger numbers employed in the supply chain, these enterprises are essential to the strength of the Welsh economy
- How the changes under the Procurement Act will transform the procurement landscape in Wales, creating a more dynamic, efficient, and smarter procurement regime for Wales
The important role the built environment sector plays in supporting Wales’ wider economic development ambitions was recognised, especially in a time of such uncertainty. Cross-government action across a range of policy areas is even more critical to ensure that we can strengthen our economy in a way which builds upon the principles of wellbeing and makes Wales a great place to live and work. Welsh Governments Economic Mission, ‘Priorities for a Stronger Economy’ was launched by the former Economy Minister on 28 November 2023. This set out four national priority areas - a just transition and green prosperity, a platform for young people, fair work, skills and success, stronger partnerships for stronger regions and the everyday economy and investing for growth.
The Cabinet Secretary has asked officials to take forward four Short-Term Reviews focusing on:
- Green Jobs connected to Floating Offshore Wind,
- Green Skills,
- Artificial Intelligence and
- SME Productivity.
Four expert groups have been established and are looking at the challenges and most importantly the opportunities for economic growth. The review with respect to Floating Offshore Wind has already concluded and its findings have been fed into the Offshore Wind Task and Finish Group. The remaining groups’ findings and recommendations will be published later this year.