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On 25 May, ACE members from around the country will converge on London for ACE’s flagship annual event.
Getting back to business
At last year’s successful conference we looked at the role of engineering and construction in shaping the UK’s growth agenda. This year we switch the emphasis to overcoming the barriers to doing business.
Investment in infrastructure
Is the UK doing enough to stimulate infrastructure investment? We know the scale of the challenge, as well as the potential benefits. What is needed, though, is greater private sector investment. Whether through gilts, pension funds or the Green Investment Bank, encouraging the private sector to invest is an essential step toward achieving this goal.
The barriers and opportunities will be debated by a panel of experts, including: Andy Matthews, managing director of Barclays Infrastructure Funds; Tim Fitch of VINCI Construction UK; and John Qualtrough, planning and infrastructure specialist at Bircham Dyson Bell.
Low carbon construction
A house a minute – that is how chief construction adviser Paul Morrell OBE characterises the size of the low carbon construction challenge. Reducing carbon consumption in the built environment is a key priority, and one on which ACE members are well-placed to lead. We are delighted Paul Morrell has agreed to take part in this year’s conference. He will lead a debate on how the construction sector can respond to the challenges set out in the Low Carbon Construction Innovation and Growth Team report.
Network Rail – the shape of things to come
Network Rail recently announced plans to refocus some of its operations along regional lines. ACE’s conference will feature a session from Network Rail’s Ian Ballentine, who will explain how this and Network Rail’s other internal reform measures will impact the supply chain.
Practical issues
Delegates at the ACE Annual Conference will be able to choose from three breakout sessions focusing on areas of business practice.
Our panel on international issues will explore the barriers and opportunities to working in overseas markets, including contributions from UK Trade and Investment’s Phil Dowrick and Patrick Crawford, chief executive of the Export Credit Guarantee Department.
A session will explore trends and issues surrounding mergers and acquisitions. Expert panellists will feature, including Sandy Fraser of Brewin Dolphin and PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Sam Toulson.
ACE’s legal affiliates – Beale and Company, Berrymans Lace Mawer and Brodies – will also update delegates on recent legal developments that affect our industry.
Three lightning speed presentations will also explore the business environment for SMEs, ACE’s work on reforming local government procurement, and how efficiency and quality can be balanced.
Venue
This year we have chosen the prestigious Marriott St Pancras Renaissance Hotel as the venue for our conference and Engineering Excellence Awards. Sir George Gilbert Scott’s spectacular building has been redeveloped into a five star luxury hotel which opened in the spring of this year.
Your conference, your say
ACE’s conference is a valuable opportunity to get closer to expert speakers and air your views. The conference is a chance to debate, discuss and shape the agenda, with opportunities to ask questions of our panels of experts. Come along to network with peers and stakeholders and join the debate.
To view the full conference agenda and book your place, please visit the ACE website (www.acenet.co.uk).
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