CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > August 2020 7 FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE So... where were we? I hope you, your families and colleagues remain well. As I write, the UK is coming out of lockdown, at different rates in different places. The evidence is this it will be a long and slow recovery, with some Members inevitably needing to reduce their operations and workforce. But there is much to do, as activity may well pick up more rapidly in Spring 2021, with projects such as HS2 opening new ground. If the basic supporting structures for the industry are not in good order, many companies will find any upturn harder to deal with. So we are now restarting the long-term projects that were put on hold in March, and initially we are focussing on those that help maintain and drive up the industry’s base of skilled workers. Part of our adaption to current circumstances is our decision to hold our Stars of the Future apprentice awards event online. You can read more about this on page 11, but it is encouraging to see that this year we have had more entries than ever before - showing that the basic values that underpin our industry have not been eroded. But the skills environment is looking different now, with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) playing a greater role in leading the rebuilding of the industry, and CITB delaying the consensus process to deal with immediate issues of levy and grant. Some of the coalitions of organisations which were formed in response to the pandemic are now looking at their role post-coronavirus, as the participants have discovered that they do have common interests and can work together. We have been able to work with other organisations tomake our case to government, as we need them to avoid any unnecessary burdens on the industry during the next 12months, until a new stability is found. You can read about our work on red diesel on page 13. Trade shows and meetings are all absent from the calendar for the rest of the year, but we have tried to compensate with online meetings and webinars. I encourage all Members to take part in these - they can provide a very effective way of sharing concerns and information without the burden of travel and time out of the office. And of course the CPA team and I remain available to support you. Email or call us - I’m on 07817 688913 or kevin.minton @ cpa.uk.net . You can find all of our contact details on page 32.