Now election is over ACE will continue to champion infrastructure

Nelson Ogunshakin
08 May 2015

Twitter FacebookLinkedIn

Print

Topics 

Business

Ten Downing Street must understand that without infrastructure much of what society at large does becomes unworkable, says Nelson Ogunshakin.

When you look at the present state of the infrastructure market, one has to ask the question what role companies, organisations, and individual people play in the current climate and where they fit into it.

Without the industry, it is fair to say, a lot of what society at large does becomes unworkable.

"In the last four years, ACE has been playing a key role in making sure society’s needs, in terms of social and economic infrastructure, is at the top of the agenda for all politicians in government."

And why do I say that?  The consultancy and engineering sector plays an important role in the planning, managing, and delivery of social and economic infrastructure. And this is where ACE comes into it. ACE, as a representative of 450 members who employ over 125,000 people, earning an income in excess of £10 billion, is a formidable organisation to be a part of. 

ACE has been playing a key role in making sure society’s needs, in terms of social and economic infrastructure, is at the top of the agenda for all politicians in government.

As evidenced by the party manifestos, we were privileged to have been ahead of the game in terms of anticipating the wants and needs of not just the industry, but society as a whole. ACE put out its manifesto last November, and it was extremely exciting to see that a majority of the key players in the political sphere bought into our core message.

ACE is well positioned to engage key decision makers, politicians and influencers to make sure we have the right business environment for our members. Over the years we have used our incredible advocacy skills to force government to invest in infrastructure, and now we have an opportunity to make sure those pipelines and projects are delivered. 

What’s more, ACE has worked closely with government to make sure the vital skills we need are developed as a top priority. Through establishing the Technician Apprenticeship Consortium (TAC), ACE has looked to safeguard the industry’s future by preparing the next generation to one day deliver the infrastructure we need. 

On top of that, ACE has led from the front, enhancing its activity across the UK (through a very solid, credible organisation) connecting with our members both nationally, through London, and at the regional level. With regional managers in place throughout the UK, ACE can provide the platform to help our industry progress. 

"We must continue to keep our services relevant, for instance, through the pension scheme we are creating."

Through all this advocacy, we know that procurement remains a prominent concern for ACE and its members. In the works is a ground-breaking report that delves into the challenges facing the UK and the procurement landscape. It addresses issues to do with late payments, joint and separate liability, payment guarantees, and all the complexities that come with it.

I believe ACE, as an organisation that represents 95% of the industry, has been effective in its lobbying and advocacy, and we have witnessed that through the prominence infrastructure was given in UK party manifestos. We now have a better business environment, but there is still room for improvement.

We must continue to keep our services relevant, for instance, through the pension scheme we are creating. We have also taken the lead on the challenges posed by BIM, in terms of the guidance we are producing, so when 2016 comes around we are fully prepared. 

So the message to our members in the industry is that ACE is ahead of the game, and we pride ourselves on listening to what to our members want. We are the organisation that truly represents the consultancy and engineering sector. As a member it is my privilege to serve you. I am very proud we have been able to engage with government and stakeholders, while garnering the support of the industry. 

I am hopeful the outcome of the election will be positive for our industry. I am confident we at ACE have done our homework. I strongly believe we are at the head of the table, shaping the conversation.