11:50 - 06 October 2006

CONSTRUCTION FIRMS BUILD UP STANDARDS

Construction firms in Plymouth have come together to launch a new best practice club. The Constructing Excellence Plymouth Club aims to raise standards in all areas of the building industry - from design to maintenance. It was launched at the Guildhall, on Wednesday, in front of an audience of around 250 people. Speakers included Chris Jackson, chairman of the Constructing Excellence Plymouth Club, Councillor Sue Dann, regional director Alan Mossman and Bob White, chief executive of Constructing Excellence.

Mr Jackson said: "There is a broad cross section of people involved with this. Clients can tap into the common sense of the supply chain and designers and they can influence what is going on. We can all talk and work together to create a better quality environment. I believe that something very powerful and unique is going on here."

"There are networking benefits, but this is not a talking shop. We didn't want to be another organisation running seminars. We wanted to build a body of expertise and best practice around our core themes."

Cabinet member for economic development Councillor Sue Dann said the construction industry was playing a key part in the regeneration of Plymouth.

She said: "You're looking at a city that's just about to move into a great regeneration. By 2020, Plymouth will be one of Europe's finest, most vibrant waterfront cities."

"Not only are we building for today, we are planning for the needs of future generations and we are going for strategic growth."

Cllr Dann said that the construction industry would be a vital link in the realisation of the Mackay Vision in developments at Millbay and Stonehouse, Sutton Harbour, the East End and the South Yard enclave.

"We're looking forward, we're changing, and we're trying to put Plymouth on the map and to make sure that Plymouth is a great regional, national and European city," she added.

Companies involved in the Plymouth Club include: Bluestone plc, Bond Pearce, CITB, Cowlin Construction, Faber Maunsell, the Gates Partnership, Halcrow, Hydrock Consultants, JNE Construction, Kier Group plc, Logo Design & Marketing, Lorne Stewart plc, Mitchell Architects, Plymouth City Council, the University of Plymouth, ROK and Ward Williams Associates.

To find out more about the club, log on to http://www.plymouthcec.org.uk/