National recognition for Chamber’s research work

Christian Spence, Research Manager at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

Just published by HM Treasury, the National Infrastructure Plans for Skills is a major government document laying out how vital planning is for the delivery of a proposed pipeline of £411 billion of infrastructure public and private investment to 2020 and beyond. The high level report features a case study on Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s North West Construction Pipeline Analysis, as well as referencing the LCCI/KPMG Construction Skills Index which we produced on behalf of London Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The two references are the only two major private sector references which are made in the 58 page report.

Outlining the importance of the report, Commercial Secretary to the Treasury Lord O’Neill notes in his foreword: “Delivering our ambitious infrastructure investment programme is a key enabler of our long-term economic plan. This investment will bring jobs and growth to all regions of the United Kingdom, essential to rebalancing our economy. But we face challenges to ensure that we can build a skilled and productive workforce to deliver these plans. And it’s not just more skilled people we need, it’s also a different blend of skills.

“This report sets out the results of detailed analysis and modelling of the £411 billion National Infrastructure Pipeline and describes the key challenges faced by sectors and regions.”

Head of Research and Policy at the Chamber, Christian Spence, remarked: "The Chamber is now seen as one of the most knowledgeable organisations in the UK in terms of construction sector research, and the skills it has developed in large-scale data analysis and the identification of skills gaps allows it to accurately identify the changes needed for both training providers and industry to support the future growth of this sector and the wider business community.

"We are, of course, extremely proud for our research to be used in such a high-profile government document and we will continue working closely with industry and government representatives to support the national aims for this sector and beyond."