Conference workshops 2007

2007’s business programme provided opportunity for delegates to participate in four lively workshop groups, facilitated by Sir Michael Latham, with their recommendations presented to the conference on the third day.  

The subjects addressed by each workshop group are listed below and were debated in three mini-group workshops of five to eight delegates.  Each of the four main groups developed a consensus view on their subject for presentation in the feedback session.  

A. External influences

Workshop A, following its analysis of external influences, stated that the key issue for the industry is Education, plus:

• craft training at colleges to include introduction to these new technologies;
• tax incentives (carrot) for the installation of energy efficient plant and equipment; and
• banning (stick) high energy using appliances and equipment.

Workshop Group A’s greatest concern was that we would be no further forward in 2008, and asked whether it is possible to deliver a truly co-ordinated education programme using existing courses, seminars and training modules.

B. New entrants and workforce development

In the context of new entrants and workforce development, Workshop B recommended the following actions:

• taking control of training;
• encouraging employers to train;
• getting funding and direction to become more employer-focused through joined-up lobbying involving SELECT, ECA, HVCA, EDA, BEAMA and SummitSkills;
• in addition to training for craftspeople, more training should be introduced for estimators, quantity surveyors and managers; and
• manufacturers and distributors should be involved at employers’ premises on an in-house basis.

The key issues for delivering these actions were working together effectively and a better understanding and recognition of migrant labour.

C. Industry and business development

With reference to industry and business development, Workshop C recommended:

• taking a holistic approach to training with key inputs being “birth to grave” training, a reappraisal of funding, and training’s impact on environmental issues;
• basing Supply Chain Management  on partnering for the greater good and enhanced surety of payment;
• lobbying government on behalf of the industry in a co-ordinated way, setting exacting standards linked to the environment.

The critical success factor aspects for effective delivery were seen to be: co-ordinated thinking, lobbying, funding and training for the industry and working together/trust.

D. Raising the profile and political influences of the industry 

In consideration of raising the profile and political influences of the industry, Workshop Group D stated that sustainability presents a big opportunity. In addition, it is for the industry to find the right core policy to lobby government.  Specific actions included:

• building on the ECA lobby schedule through inter-industry discussion regarding core issues, while recognising and respecting differences;
• lobbying both government and clients on things able to be delivered on collectively, through common briefings on positions; and
• encouraging local political dialogue with, for example, MPs, MEPs and local councillors.

Key factors

The key factors for effective delivery were a focus on sustainable opportunities, development of a good plan and good contacts, and industry co-ordination.

Following all four presentations, Sir Michael Latham remarked on the emergent and overarching theme of education.

There followed a full and varied discussion during which the key issues raised and developed included:

• Lobbying is much more than writing letters reinforcing the point made in the presentations. Suggestions were made on how to build up a nationally based and locally focussed network using joint resources at the industry’s disposal.
• Funding of training – with concern expressed over rogue trainers – and discussion also on 'training funds' and the direction of funding.
• Is it time for a reality check? Do we know why so many contractors seem not to be interested in training? It was reported that research into this amongst contractors is in progress.

Sir Michael summed up referring to three big issues, sustainability, training and team leadership and partnership, where it has been a case of slow progress since his report with a few doing things properly but very few passing the rewards along the supply chain. In addition to there being further progress by the industry on these issues, these recommendations form the basis for the development of the 2008 conference programme.

  Download workshop feedback and discussion │  2008 Conference overview  │  2007 Conference overview  │  Conference packages   │