CONSTRUCTION companies are used to having to deal with the peaks and troughs and the cyclical nature of the business environment in which they operate.
At the same time, within in their businesses, they strive for service and product excellence by focusing on continuity when it comes to their policies, procedures and practices.
It would benefit not only the construction sector, but industry as a whole if the Government made sure it was consistent when it came to setting its economic blueprints and strategies.
However, different political business agendas are often at odds with each other, which can add to the uncertainly and difficulties that firms are facing in the current economic climate.
This contradictory approach can be demonstrated by Britain’s biggest businesses agreeing to share their global success with their supply chain under a new initiative announced by the Government.
Chancellor George Osborne said Tesco, Centrica, Virgin, GSK, Network Rail, GE, Carillion and BAE Systems had signed up to the scheme.
He said the Government had an aspiration to secure support, advice and practical help from each of these companies. In the UK, he said, mid-sized businesses were often at the centre of the supply chains and their success depends on the decisions of larger firms at the top of the chain.
The idea of the scheme is to open up new export opportunities, helping British businesses access new markets around the world where the more recognised company is already established.
However, at the same time, the Government is considering setting frameworks that could preclude smaller businesses and favour big firms when it comes to bidding for public sector work.
Obviously, policies do have to adapt and develop to meet changing circumstances.
On the other hand, there are times when continuity and stability would be beneficial.
On occasions, it appears that different Government departments are working in isolation rather than liaising to ensure that policies – where possible – maintain a consistent stance.
For more information on Constructing Excellence in the North East, please contact chief executive, Catriona Lingwood, on 0191 374 0233 or catriona@cene.org.uk.
Catriona Lingwood is chief executive of Constructing Excellence in the North East