Summer reception hears talk of cold winds and heating markets

On a warm evening at ACE’s very successful summer reception there was much talk about cold weather.

Antony Oliver
01 August 2014

Twitter FacebookLinkedIn

Print

Topics 

Business

But that was the case as a result of using the popular event to launch the latest ACE research into the energy market. ACE chairman Chris Cole who is on the board of energy firm Infinis was clear about the issues ahead:

“Energy at the moment is the most uncertain and insecure industry I have sat amongs for a long time. Government doesn’t know where it is going with it and won’t make decisions. There is paralysis and this could become quite serious in a cold winter or two,” he said.

However, perhaps inspired by the pleasant environment of the Taj Hotel courtyard near St James’s Park in London, he was very upbeat about the infrastructure industry and opportunities for large and small firms alike.

“In infrastructure, there is momentum. We are all enjoying an improvement in workload, infrastructure’s voice is being heard and purpose is beginning to emerge with regards to investment," Cole added. “I think we are all enjoying the best environment to work in for eight or nine years.”

Guests at the reception including Sir John Armitt fresh from revealing draft legislation that could create a National Infrastructure Commission and Highways Agency chief executive Graham Dalton.

Everyone was welcomed by ACE chief executive Nelson Ogunshakin who regards events like the summer reception where ACE member firms can all meet and mingle as integral to the activities of the association. The opportunities to network are a key benefit of ACE membership and are organised nationwide by offices in the devolved nations and regions.

Nelson encouraged the guests to come back after the summer and watch out for the national SME Conference in September and the European CEO Conference & Awards and annual Parliamentary Reception in November.