|
ACE, the Association for Consultancy and Engineering, has welcomed Nick Clegg’s focus on infrastructure as a means to drive growth in the economy.
Nick Clegg’s speech at the London School of Economics today reasserted the importance of key infrastructure projects to the UK economy. He also set out the need to overcome the blockages in Whitehall and planning that often hold up investment.
Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, chief executive of ACE, said: “We are pleased that government recognises the importance of infrastructure as a driver of growth. It is important to address the hold-ups that can prevent work from starting on the ground and that can escalate costs when projects do go ahead.”
“The announcements in this speech are a strong step in the right direction and it is important that such a statement translates into action and a programme for investment if we are to avoid a downward trend in the GDP growth rate.”
Nick Clegg announced that 40 projects would be hand-picked to be pushed through with Whitehall support.
Nelson Ogunshakin said: “Industry has been engaging with government on the issues faced around infrastructure investment for some time. We are ready to support further this effort as projects are selected.”
- ENDS –
For media queries please contact Gavin Pearson (gpearson@acenet.co.uk) (020 7202 0255)
Notes to editors
ACE’s research paper “Infrastructure: a case for funding” can be found here.
ACE’s Barriers to Investment paper can be found here.
Photographs are available on request.
|