A conference aimed at unlocking the potential in Dundee’s construction sector has been hailed a “huge success” by organisers.
The event, co-hosted by Dundee City Council and Angus and Dundee Chamber of Commerce, attracted industry experts and local construction businesses keen to see sustainable growth in the local construction industry.
Around 130 people attended the event, which included a session on unlocking the skills potential and an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the construction sector nationally.
Delegates heard there was huge demand from young people to get into the construction industry which offers more than 100 different roles, but more work needed to be done to achieve greater gender balance and connect young people with the jobs the sector offers.
Keynote speakers included Robin Blacklock, chair of the Scottish Property Federation, Allan Rae, land director for Kirkwood Homes and Steven Smith, development manager for Scottish Water outlined
Attendees heard of the need for the industry to change, and build in a way that looks to future construction methods as well as adhering to current building standards.
The need to develop a culture of partnership working was also addressed, with construction firms urged to develop relationships inside the sector beyond individual projects, as well as closer working relationships between the public and private sectors.
Alison Henderson of the Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce said: “The event has been a huge success, not just in terms of the number of people who attended, but also the very positive feedback organisers had received.
“A lot of ground was covered, including the role of the sector in the circular economy and the move towards carbon neutrality and how construction firms can help alleviate the issue of flooding for example;
“The construction industry is hugely important across the region and today’s conference very much underlined that.”
Ms Henderson said that a stakeholder group would now be formed which would take forward the issues raised during the conference and invited businesses and individuals to join.
She said: “It is early days for the stakeholder group, but I would invite anyone interested in joining to get in touch as we move forward.”
jimillar@thecourier.co.uk