Welcome to Our Summer 2025 Newsletter!
As the sun shines brighter and the days are longer, we hope you're finding time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the season. Here at CEWales, the past few months have been a whirlwind of activity, collaboration, and progress—and now, we are embracing the summer slowdown with open arms. In this edition, we are excited to share highlights from recent projects, upcoming events, and a few reflections on the journey so far. Whether you're reading this from the beach, the office, or somewhere in between, we’re glad to have you with us.
CEO Highlights: Driving Change Across Wales’ Built Environment
It’s been a season of meaningful progress and powerful advocacy for CEWales. Actively championing the sector’s role in shaping a resilient, innovative, and inclusive Welsh economy. Here are some standout moments from the past few months:
- Strategic Advocacy: Delivered a compelling presentation to the Welsh Government’s senior management team, spotlighting the built environment sector as a cornerstone of economic growth. We’ve also provided critical insights into the UK Industrial Strategy, urging recognition of construction’s central role in national development.
“Construction is the backbone that supports and enables growth across all sectors... We cannot afford to overlook the very industry that builds the foundation of Britain’s future.”
- Transforming Housing Delivery: Submitted extensive recommendations to improve behaviours and cultures in contracting and procurement for new social housing—supporting collaborative models like alliancing and the work of Tai ar y Cyd.
- Digital Innovation: Completed a Welsh Government-commissioned Construction Digital Action Plan for Wales, now awaiting Cabinet Secretary endorsement. This plan sets the stage for a smarter, more connected construction future.
- Green Economy & Skills: Provided strategic advice on how the sector can accelerate green growth and develop future-ready skills.
- Thought Leadership: Spoke at major industry events including RICS and MPA conferences, addressing key topics like Women in Construction and mental health.
- Royal Recognition: Attended the King’s Garden Party, nominated by Welsh Government in honour of CEWales’ contributions to the sector.
- Celebrating Excellence: Our annual awards dinner welcomed 500 guests and honoured outstanding achievements, including special recognition for Civil Servant Richard Wilson and Chris Wynne of Wynne Construction.
- Innovation in Action: Partnered with Bouygues on a site visit to Pentre Awel and partnered on a collaborative project with Cardiff University to explore Digital Product Passports (DPPs)— which focuses on driving net zero buildings through the use of an emerging digital solution, DPP’s, to enable data-driven material reuse and support circular practices.
Project Bank Accounts: Strengthening Supply Chain Stability
CEWales recently completed a Welsh Government-commissioned review on the effectiveness of Project Bank Accounts (PBAs). Drawing on successful practices from Scotland and sector-wide insights, the report explored PBAs’ role in improving payment security and supporting supply chain resilience.
Key findings include:
- PBAs are widely appreciated but face implementation challenges, particularly around setup time, administrative complexity, and inconsistent enforcement.
- 44% of subcontractors still report payment delays, highlighting the need for stronger oversight.
- Many stakeholders lack clear guidance, leading to hesitation and inefficiencies.
To address these issues, the report recommends:
- Upskilling and better communication
- Appointment of PBA champions
- Policy and procurement process reforms
These steps aim to boost confidence in PBAs, improve financial transparency, and ensure timely payments across the Welsh construction sector.
Construction Mission Statement: Shaping a Unified Future
CEWales, in partnership with the Welsh Government, has developed a draft Construction Mission Statement based on extensive sector insights. The initiative responds to the lack of built environment-specific policies and aims to provide strategic leadership across the industry.
Key goals of the mission statement are to:
- Unify the sector—bringing together businesses, projects, and people around shared objectives.
- Build capability—enhancing knowledge, awareness, and skills.
- Support Net Zero and policy alignment—driving sustainability and innovation.
- Strengthen local skills and supply chains—creating a resilient foundation for future growth.
Members will soon be invited to consult on the mission statement, and your input will be vital in shaping its direction.
Upcoming events
North Wales Summit 18th September
Prince Charles Site Visit – 23rd September
G4C Wales Awards Senedd – 16th October – email susan.selkirk@cewales.org.uk for details