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The UK’s coalition government has the potential to achieve better decision making, according to members of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE).
The Government should focus on setting out clear and coherent plans to address the budget deficit, develop and secure funding for key national infrastructure, and reforming the planning consents system.
Michelle McDowell, ACE chair, said: “The engineering industry has a vital role to play in the coming years. The Government will have to make some very serious choices, the effects of which we could feel for years. Our industry needs to show we can advise and guide political leaders and the general public in the interests of the nation.”
The engineering industry is also in a unique position to inform and advise political leaders and the public on the difficult decisions needed to secure investment in vital infrastructure and the transition to a low carbon economy.
Nelson Ogunshakin, ACE chief executive, said: “The responses of ACE members show quite clearly that industry is ready to work in partnership with the Government in ensuring that value for money is delivered and the right decisions are made in the national interest.”
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For press information please contact Simon Goldie on 020 7227 1892 or 07905 279328 – sgoldie@acenet.co.uk
Notes to editors
Senior leaders of ACE member companies were asked to give their views on the prospects for the new government. To read a summary report, please click here.
Ken Dalton, chief executive global building engineering for AECOM, said: “The new collaborative arrangement should give balanced decisions for the long term. The Government should focus on stimulating the private sector as we anticipate cuts in the public. ACE has a major role to collaborate with government leading an advisory group from industry on value spend.”
Philip Dilley, chairman of Arup, said: “In all decisions the Government should take account of the impact on competitiveness of the UK as a place to do business. This has particular relevance in taxation and spending priorities. We should recognise the importance of efficient transport infrastructure on business efficiency and the attractiveness of the UK to foreign business investment.”
Nick Flew, UK-Europe managing director at Parsons Brinckerhoff, said: “There needs to be a coherent approach to prioritisation of investments. Priority must be based on data and facts, not political expediency. It will be important to consider the wider benefits, such as the achievement of environmental and economic goals and long term sustainability.”
Graham Nicholson, ACE vice-chair, said: “What the engineering industry needs is clarity of direction. My hope is that the new government will be clear about where priorities for infrastructure, housing and other vital projects will lie. That way, businesses can plan for the future with as much confidence as possible.”
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