President's Message
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
June 2008
Dear Friends,
I must admit that, for the last few weeks leading up to the beginning of May, one thing that had repeatedly been on my mind was - how will I find enough new things to write about every month? I needn't have been bothered... In the four weeks since I wrote to you last, I've attended enough interesting events to be able to prattle on for the next three months' President's Pages, if need be. But, rather than do so, I've decided to concentrate on just a couple of topics (this statement accompanied by a mass sigh of relief).
Construction Industry Council
I've been lucky enough to attend three separate events with the Construction Industry Council during the last month. Along with Vice-President Simon Lawes, I went to the two-day 'sleepover' at Wyboston Lakes, which was designed to be an induction event for new and soon-to-be Presidents and Chief Officers of the various member organisations. The event was chaired by the Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, Chairman of CIC, and there was ample opportunity for networking. However, the best part for me was the opportunity to listen to two presentations, first by Graham Watts, CIC Chief Executive and, on the second day, by Keith Clarke, CEO of Atkins (who by the time you read this will have succeeded Nick Raynsford as Chairman). Both presentations prompted lively and productive debate amongst the delegates and we both came away thoroughly inspired.
Keith Clarke's presentation, which lasted an hour and a half, was on the general topic of sustainability and I can honestly say that, if you have the opportunity to go and listen to Keith speak, then grasp it with both hands. He is a genuinely interesting bloke, who patently believes utterly in the need for us to make rapid, positive strides forward to drastically reduce our worldwide carbon output. He makes the valid point that we can all make a contribution, no matter how small - and I don't just mean turning off the lights etc, but in the way we can influence clients to embrace the opportunity to incorporate sustainable aspects into the design/construction of new buildings and when upgrading the existing building stock.
Then, the week after, I was pleased to represent the Yorkshire and Humber regional CIC Board at its launch event in Leeds, where we debated the question 'How will the Construction Industry rise to the challenge and deliver a step-change in housing supply levels?' Nick Raynsford was again present and was our first speaker, followed by John Miles, who is a Principal Director of Arup. Despite the event being held during the bank holiday week, on a night when England were playing a friendly, the room was nearly full and everyone present praised the quality of the speakers and the ensuing debate. Interestingly, the debate followed very usefully to the ones at the CIC induction event the week before.
On a personal note, I would like on behalf of the ABE to thank Nick Raynsford for all his hard work over the past few years as CIC Chairman and to wish him luck in his next appointment.
The third CIC event was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the various member organisations representing the South East Region. It was very useful to be able to see how other regions' member organisations liaise and interact with each other and I was grateful to Deputy Chief Executive Kate Borrill for the invitation to attend.
ABE/IMBM Northern Regional Exhibition
Only 24 hours later, it was back on the road and heading up to our Northern Regional Exhibition in Gateshead - for colleagues who may not be aware, you need to know that the Northern Region of the former IMBM have been holding an annual exhibition for more than 20 consecutive years now (before you all write in, I am aware that other regions hold annual exhibitions, as well - I hope to visit you all). On the evening prior to the exhibition I was delighted to be the guest of ABE Council member Stan Barker together with his local colleagues and members of the exhibition organising committee together with their lovely wives and partners, at a most enjoyable dinner. Thanks Stan.
The exhibition itself was highly successful, with more than 30 trade and professional exhibitors drawing something like 300 visitors through the door. Afterwards, we enjoyed a light tea and I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet and chat with several local members. I genuinely tried to speak to as many people as possible during the day, but if I missed anyone, please accept my apologies.
Just a thought...
Before I close this account of my recent activities, can I just say that I'm writing this while watching the European Championship football on the TV. For those of you who are not lovers of the 'beautiful game' there is sadly no representation from the home countries. It may be because there is no British interest but most unusually for me, I'm really struggling to get interested in the matches thus far.......nah, I've just realised what it is - the games are being spoiled as a sporting spectacle because so many of these European players are having difficulty staying on their feet. I suspect that this is due to the mountainous alpine conditions, which are giving rise to an excessive number of pockets of severe gravity. I wonder if the new Euro Codes will dictate that our continental colleagues design stronger buildings in Austria and Switzerland, to take account of this phenomenon?
Only joking.....
See you next month,
Rhys Taylor
PBEng FBEng IEng AMIStructE MFPWS
President