Comment

Message from the editor | Issue 13 | September 15

Four months into the new Tory government’s five year administration and there is a clear sense that for the infrastructure sector there is opportunity ahead says Antony Oliver

Antony Oliver, Infrastructure Intelligence editor

But equally there is a realisation that this government is not the same, rebadged version of the last coalition.

With a clear majority David Cameron and George Osborne have the mandate they want to drive the UK towards their goal of economic growth and business prosperity.

"Negotiating the next five years of austerity will be tough for all as government ramps its demand for greater productivity and the global competition bites"

Interviewed in Infrastructure Intelligence this month, Institute of Directors chair and ACE advisory board member Lady Barbara Judge makes clear that it is an opportunity that they must not blow. The business agenda must, she says, “be at the forefront of policy”.

Few business leaders in infrastructure would disagree. Nor would they argue with her insistence that for this government policy to succeed, the entire supply chain must be engaged and incentivised. In particular with directly encouragement and support given to the vital smaller companies underpinning the economy across the UK.

As she puts it: “Government spends so much money on infrastructure it has to make sure that the benefits go to small businesses”. And that means creating new incentives through tax breaks and other SME focused activities but it also means educating and guiding businesses towards those that already exist.

"SMEs in particular will need all the help they can get"

Negotiating the next five years of austerity will be tough for all as government ramps its demand for greater productivity and the global competition bites into profits. SMEs in particular will need all the help they can get to find the resources to invest in the talent, innovation and new business practices that will deliver the require productivity increases.

And as Judge points out, it starts with employing the right brain power - there is no substitute for a talented workforce. “My advice is to hire women,” she says. “Open the door to the smartest and most dedicated people you can find notwithstanding their gender.”

If you would like to contact Antony Oliver about this, or any other story, please email antony.oliver@infrastructure-intelligence.com.

Comments

Boa tarde Sr sou Brasileiro Sup de Montagm experiencia em Montagem de Tanks api 650 experiencia em caldeiraria em geral em busca de recolocação de trabalho Brasil esta ficado cem trabalho meu contato curitiba 041-8427-5841-???