“Modernise or Die” author Mark Farmer confirmed as keynote speaker for 30 April event aimed at helping organisations to bid
Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) is calling on the construction industry to bid for a slice of £60 million of government funding for transforming construction.
CSIC is hosting a briefing event on April 30thto raise awareness of the Transforming Construction Challenge Fund, and to let companies know what support is available to form a bid when the formal call for competitive bids is launched in July. The event aims to inspire cross-industry partnerships and collaboration with the public and higher education sector. There is also a possibility that discussions on the day will lead to a Scotland-wide bid supported by CSIC.
The Transforming Construction Challenge Fund is part of the UK Government’s Sector Deal, which will see £170m of government investment over three years to help prepare the UK construction sector for the future, helping companies build better performing buildings and infrastructure at a greater speed and reduced cost, through better adoption of digital and manufacturing technologies. It also aims to boost the skills of construction workers and help train the next generation.
CSIC is calling on the wider construction industry, and particularly companies with interests in manufacturing, design, building management and energy, to join the event at its Innovation Factory near Glasgow, which will be addressed by leading construction industry figure Mark Farmer. Author of Modernise or Die: The Farmer Review of the UK Labour Construction Model, a 2016 review of UK construction, Mark believes that the industry faces extinction unless it modernises quickly in the coming years.
Mark will lead the charge on why modernisation is both a necessity and opportunity. Attendees will then hear from CSIC and other industry representatives, including Mike Pitts from InnovateUK, who will explain the structure of the fund and bid process and outline what sort of projects can be supported. Facilitated discussions and networking will help unlock potential partnerships and ideas for taking forward.
Mark Farmer, Director at Cast Consultancy said:“I commend CSIC on its leadership in putting together this pre-call briefing event, and I encourage every construction company, large or small, to make sure you have a representative there. This opportunity could be the start of new horizons for your company and your country, with Scotland ideally placed to make a worldwide impact on the modernisation of construction.
“It is time for us all in the construction industry to do things differently, because carrying on as we are is simply not an option. This opportunity could unlock the talent and innovation we all know exists within the industry.”
Rohan Bush, business relationship manager at CSIC said,“CSIC’s innovation factory is dedicated to transforming construction, and gives us the perfect springboard for brainstorming, developing and testing any range of ideas for transforming productivity in construction.
“As an industry-led body with strong partnerships and ties to both the public and higher education sectors, CSIC hopes to provide guidance and expertise to organisations hoping to bid for a slice of this fund. The Scottish construction sector is already striving to become a world-leader in construction innovation, so I have high hopes that some exciting ideas and partnerships will come out of this event.”
The event is offered free of charge and more information can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transforming-construction-briefing-consortium-building-event-tickets-44678522664
