CT p15 Comment Dec08.qxp 20/11/2008 15:51 Page 15
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Members show a
quantum of solace
Our recent Awards ceremony was, by all accounts, practices, including abolition of retentions. We
a positive and hugely enjoyable occasion and a then followed up, in more detail, with his Economic
tremendous platform and showcase for our and Business Minister, Ian Pearson, who has
industry. It was, by the nature of these events, a responsibility for construction.
very social and happy night but I was pleased, and Our thrust here was much more specific in
a little surprised, to see the confident and stoic pressing for best practice by public sector clients,
attitude of very many Members to the prospects particularly in relation to security and certainty of
for future workloads. payment. The current economic climate and the
Certainly their view seemed to be that they were critical part prompt payment plays in sustaining
not going to be talked into panic and determined cash flow for business were central to our Newell
not to be sucked into the doom laden picture argument. McGuiness
painted by our media of the demise of the Cue Mandelson’s first serious interview, since managing director,
construction industry. his return, on the Andrew Marr show. As part of a SELECT
Of course, a great deal of uncertainty lies ahead rather tetchy interview, he made a completely
and it would be wrong to conclude that the unheralded announcement, which was only
industry does not face some fairly significant spotted and taken up by the media some time
challenges in the short term. later. This was that he intended to protect SME’s
Certainly SELECT remain focused on delivering by, among other initiatives, insisting public sector
the very best business conditions possible for clients pay their bills within ten days and that he
Members and on the economic front we continue expected the private sector to follow suit.
to be active in a number of areas. While many will view this objective as somewhat
On the macro economic side, our focus is on optimistic it is nonetheless a very welcome change
Westminster and many activities are currently of policy by Government and one that will not only
being driven by our umbrella organisation, the send out very positive messages to all but an idea
Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group (SECG). that will deliver practical support to SME’s at an
Recently, SECG took the opportunity to contact uncertain time .
Lord Mandelson, on his appointment as Secretary Could it be that the mandarins in Whitehall are
of State for BERR. We pressed him, among other really listening at long last?
things, to reduce the multiple public sector pre- Let’s hope so and perhaps there is cause to be
qualification schemes and to improve payment optimistic for the future after all?
Representational Services
By Tom Mitchell, Head of Member Sevices firms to operate profitably.
As the industry’s voice in Scotland, SELECT has access to both Trade Union
Local and Central Government and sits on key committees SELECT meets regularly with
dealing with technical and commercial matters. representatives of Unite the Union to
You can help shape the industry of the future. negotiate pay and conditions and to
discuss industry matters, including
External Standards Committees training.
SELECT influences technical standards in the areas of BS 7671
(IEE Wiring Regulations) and other British Standards Committees Industry Organisations
dealing with technological areas of Members’ work. SELECT’s participation in major Scottish, UK national and
European industry influences key issues such as employment
Liaison with Professional Bodies and regulatory legislation, contract law, technical standards and
Interacting with other bodies, SELECT helps to create the market many other issues.
environment and industry conditions which enable Member
December 2008 • CABLEtalkUIbackUIforward15
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