During the three day event of practical workshops, a trade exhibition, expert discussions, panel debates, a full conference, gala and awards dinner evening, two key areas dominated; payments and skills. Both continue to hit the headlines daily due to the broad ranging changes being proposed by government and the implications for the industry.
Steve Bratt, group CEO, commented, ‘Failure to take action to positively change the current business models is no longer an option. We can’t afford to sit back and shouldn’t be content with unfair treatment because of where we stand in the construction supply chain. The changes being proposed to these two key areas of our industry directly affect us and our future – if we are to fulfil our potential, we need to ensure that those changes are for the better.’
The conference itself also saw the inauguration of the new ECA president, Andy Basham and new vice president David Keift. This year’s closing session was a speech on endurance and resilience by TV sports presenter and journalist, Clare Balding OBE. Clare’s speech was followed by the ECA Annual Awards and Gala Dinner. Hosted by author, broadcaster and former MP Giles Brandreth, the awards recognise ECA registered members as the best in the sector.
Andy Basham, ECA president, said of the event, ‘It is the biggest event in our industry all year, and certainly lived up to the hype. The exhibition and workshops were well attended and the format worked very well, with discussions following on afterwards at the panel debates. It’s always well attended, but this year people were more proactive in getting involved.’
