News

ACE National Conference - Heathrow boss and shadow Treasury minister join line-up

ACE National Conference 4 March

Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury Cathy Jamieson and Heathrow chief executive  John Holland-Kaye are the latest headline names to join the prgramme for the ACE National Conference on 4 March.

Both add to a packed event programe which kicks off with a keynote address by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander and under the heading "Engineeing Growth" will set out the issues facing infrastructure and business ahead of and after the General Election.

The ACE National Conference is themed around ‘Engineering Growth’ and takes place on Wednesday 4 March at the Westminster Conference Centre in Victoria Street, Westminster, London.

Jamieson’s position as shadow financial secretary puts her in prime position to be a major part of the Treasury team should the Labour party win the 2015 General Election, and thus at the heart of the department that will play the crucial role in ensuring the money needed to upgrade the UK’s infrastructure is made available. In addition, as an MP representing a Scottish constituency she will be able to give delegates her thoughts on devolution and what it will mean for the delivery of UK infrastructure.  

As Chief Executive, Holland-Kaye has been an influential force at Britain’s largest airport, notably securing the £1 billion investment that transformed Terminal 2. Holland-Kaye’s views on aviation capacity will be intriguing with Sir Howard Davis’s recommendations due later this year. His recent call to MPs telling them “get on with” airport expansion at the B-CC annual conference shows Holland-Kaye is not someone averse to the spotlight.  

The event begins with a keynote by Danny Alexander who, having spent the last five years at the heart of decision making in the Coalition, has first-hand experience of how the industry can influence political debate surrounding infrastructure investment.

All ACE member companies have two free tickets to the event. Don’t miss out - visit www.acenet.co.uk or click here to book your place.

Other confirmed speakers include well-known economist Vicky Pryce, Peter Hansford, Chief Economic Advisor to the UK Government, and Colin Murray, Core Cities Group.

The National Conference is themed around ‘Engineering Growth’ and takes place on Wednesday 4 March at the Westminster Conference Centre in Victoria Street, Westminster, London.

The one day event, now in its eight year, will bring together the industry to discuss and debate a range of issues including:

  • the political risk involved with the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects. Leading industry experts will be on hand to discuss how best to combat the threat of simmering tensions as project kick off.
  • the funding mechanisms that can make or break a project. The debate continues to rage over ho best to fund infrastructure and financial experts will be on hand to set out the options.
  • the role that SMEs can play on large infrastructure projects. While it appears SMEs are often unable to access work on large-scale projects, for the UK to achieve its objectives in the near future and beyond, this perception must change.
  • the challenge of regional delivery. With the Scottish Referendum now firmly in the rear view mirror, devolution and decentralisation of power to areas across the UK means more delivery of infrastructure on a core city-region basis. Panellists will discuss the merits of increased engagements between core cities and how the consultancy sector can take advantage of devolution.
  • how can the engineering sector continue to demonstrate the economic benefits of infrastructure development. With the UK economy on an upward trajectory, continued investment in infrastructure remains critical to growth. This panel will debate the challenge.

For further information and to register to attend the ACE National Conference, visit www.acenet.co.uk or click here to book your place.