Presidental Inauguration Address 2010
My lords, honoured guests, fellow members, ladies and gentleman:
Welcome and thank you for taking time to attend the House of Lords today, as I am aware that some guests have travelled far to be here.
It is a great honour and a privilege to be elected as President of the Association of Building Engineers, and I will endeavour to carry out this role in the respect and justice it deserves.
As I stand here today at this prestigious location I would like to reflect on the year so far. And what a year it has been, the months leading up to today have been interesting and sometimes is has been difficult to perform my function as Vice-president. Firstly, in January, snow blizzards swept across the country causing the worst distribution in living memory. In April, with flights booked to attend a conference of the AEEBC in Finland, at the eleventh hour with the presence of volcanic ash in the upper atmosphere from the eruption of an Icelandic volcano all airspace over Europe was closed. As I now take the term of office as President, I now question what the third disruption will be?
For guests who are unaware of the history of the Association of Building Engineers please allow me to confirm that back in 1925 the Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors (IAAS) was founded, Sir Edwin Lutyens quickly became involved. In 1993 the name was changed to the Association of Building Engineers (ABE), to reflect the professional expertise of members and one that is readily understood in the European Union and beyond. In 2008 the Institute of Maintenance and Building Management (IMBM) merged with the Association to give wider expertise and greater regional support. Now in 2010, the Association of Building Engineers celebrates its 85th year. I am sure that Sir Edwin Lutyens would not have envisaged the Association developing into the successful national and international recognised organisation we have today.
Since the merger with IMBM the Association has achieved a wide-ranging membership, drawn from both within the United Kingdom and overseas which enjoys freedom from constitutional restraints. These advantages combine to give it a unique independence, with national and international recognition of all its qualifications. The objectives of the ABE, which are displayed on both publications and the website, have been established, and I quote 'to promote and advance the knowledge, study and practice of each and all of the arts and sciences concerned with building technology, planning, design, construction, maintenance and repair of the built environment and the creation and maintenance of a high standard of professional qualification, conduct and practice'. Additionally, the Association aim 'to encourage and facilitate co-operation between the construction professions'.
I have had the privilege of sitting on the ABE Council since 2005 when I was first co-opted, then duly elected in 2006 and then in 2007 nominated for Vice-president. During this time I have witnessed the ABE achieve its objectives time after time. To achieve these objectives you must have a strong team, and as such I would like to thank all of the ABE Headquarters Team including Deputy Chief Executives Kate Ilott and Kevin Blunden.
I would also like to take the opportunity of endorsing the sterling work that has been developing within the regional structure. The regional structures are progressing from strength-to-strength and give an excellent opportunity for members of all levels to network and get their voices heard. With this in mind I would like to congratulate the regional chairman and committees for all their hard work. With the support from Headquarters and the assistance of Council including the Vice-presidents Colin Bell, John Humphries, Vice-president elect Stan Barker, Honorary Officers David B Smith and Arwel Griffith, I feel the regions can reach their next level of success.
As we are all fully aware the economic conditions from the financial recession have had a dramatic effect on our industry. Every sector has been affected with projects being downsized or postponed with uncertainty of job security. With the recent general election delivering a hung parliament, which has led to a power sharing coalition between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, further uncertainty within the industry is possible. As the Government endeavours to provide financial stability supporting business growth, whilst accelerating cuts to the budget deficit this year by an estimated £6bn.
Personally over the last few months I have seen the green shoots of a stable recovery. I note according to the latest UK house price index statistics produced by the Communities and Local Government (May 2010), that UK house prices were 9.7% higher than in March 2009, and 0.7% higher than February 2010 (seasonally adjusted). UK house prices rose by 2.8% in the quarter ending March 2010 which compares with a rise of 2.9% for the quarter ending December 2009. An annual average house price rose in England (10.1%), Scotland (7.2%) and Wales (8.1%), but fell in Northern Ireland (-6.9%). Furthermore, an annual average house price paid for new properties in March 2010 were 1.3% higher than a year ago with an average house price paid for pre-owned dwellings 10.3% higher.
Whilst the figures are encouraging the issues are two-fold, firstly as Beryl Menzies highlighted in her inaugural address last year, after the last UK recession the affected industry was unable to service a boom in construction and needed to seek skills from Europe and beyond. Secondly, if severe cuts are proposed, training should be reduced at its peril. I would like to re-emphasise Beryl's statement of last year, confirming that structured training and learning is the key. As a surveyor who started his career through formal education to degree level, then from a trainee to surveyor, to Head a Building Control service. I am passionate to ensure training is at the forefront, be it structured training for trainees and graduates through to continued professional development for everybody in the industry. This training should be delivered both nationally and locally within the regions.
As the country starts to move out of the recession, investment in the businesses most import asset is required - the staff. I am fully aware of constraints to training budgets, however, a lack of training would be short sighted. The ABE prides itself on providing quality training and development opportunities for the industry professionals at all stages of their career. Please take a look at the courses available with subjects including building control, accessibility, fire safety, sustainability and legislation including part wall studies.
At this time of year the ABE Council undertakes its strategic review of the work and aims of the Association, and to ensure open governance. During the beginning of May, Council met for a facilitated away-day to identify the matters of importance to assist with the development of these plans.
As I draw to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to give my thanks and appreciation to London Borough of Hounslow for their continued support whilst I continue to balance both my Building Control and ABE duties. Additionally to my wife Clare, who has given me her complete encouragement and support. By the way for information, Clare is also an ABE member so you really do get two of us for the price of one!
Finally on behalf of us all, I would like to thank both Lord Howie for his generosity for hosting the inauguration here today at the House of Lords, and last but not least to Kate Ilott, Kevin Blunden and their team for arranging this memorable event.
Thank you