MSP Ivan McKee is special guest as CICV holds first in-person meeting in 4 years

CICV members with Ivan McKee MSP at their first in-person meeting

After four years of virtual collaboration, the CICV finally held its inaugural in-person meeting this week, bringing together representatives from many of its 29 member organisations for the first time.

More than 20 delegates from across the UK gathered in Edinburgh on Wednesday 24 April for the first physical get-together of the collective, with former Scottish Government Minister Ivan McKee among the guests.

Alan Wilson, CICV Chair and Managing Director of SELECT, opened proceedings by reflecting on the organisation’s evolution since April 2020 and its continuing commitment to Scotland’s construction industry,

He told assembled guests: “The CICV, born out of necessity during the pandemic, has become a beacon of collaboration. As we meet face-to-face for the first time, we reaffirm our commitment and strengthen our dedication to building on our foundation of unity and resilience.”

Mr Mckee addresses the meeting in Edinburgh

Mr McKee, a longtime supporter of the CICV, also delivered a speech in which he highlighted the forum’s significant impact on the industry.

The MSP for Glasgow Provan praised the CICV’s role in representing a diverse range of sectors and professions and its influence on shaping industry standards and practices that resonate in both governmental and public realms.

Following the opening remarks, the meeting itself focused on outlining the CICV’s strategic future and reinforcing its role as a principal advocate for the construction industry.

Discussions included updates on the Construction Accord’s Transformation Action Plan, and how CICV members’ invaluable insights and expertise are being applied across its various working groups.

CICV members discussed a wide range of issues at the get-together

Following the meeting, Fiona Hodgson, CICV Deputy Chair and CEO of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF), reflected on its outcomes, saying, “In an evolving construction landscape, the CICV’s role has become more crucial than ever.

“Today’s discussions not only reaffirmed our commitment to collective action and strategic foresight but also underscored our leadership in advocating for innovation and resilience within the construction industry.”

Other CICV members who attended the meeting at the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood were Brett Amphlett of the Builders Merchants Federation, Chris Cassley from the Construction Plant-Hire Association, Gary Mees of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and Gordon Nelson, from the Federation of Master Builders.

Alan Wilson, Yvonne Wilson, Ivan McKee and Fiona Hodgson

Also in attendance were the Electrical Distributors Association‘s Margaret Fitzsimons, Iain McIlwee of the Finishes and Interiors Sector, Iain McCaskey and Rebecca Crosland from the Building Engineering Services Association and Andrew Renwick of the Lift and Escalator Industry Association.

Jocelyne Fleming represented the Chartered Institute of Building and Tamsie Thompson attended on behalf of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, along with Paul Mitchell of the Scottish Building Federation and Pete Walker from the British Constructional Steelwork Association.

Fiona Harper, Iain Mason and Yvonne Wilson also represented SECTT and SELECT, along with Richard Campbell from SNIPEF and Robert Candy from the Scaffolding Association.