The Welsh Government’s continued support for the construction industry was outlined by Economy Minister Edwina Hart today when she addressed the launch of Creating Britain’s Future campaign in Cardiff.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of ensuring small and medium sized contractors in Wales are in a position to benefit from large scale construction projects.
The UK Contractors Group’s campaign highlights the national and local benefits of investing in infrastructure, and the capability of the construction sector in delivering world-class projects.
Mrs Hart told the delegates that major investments that are likely to bear fruit in the near future include a planned new nuclear power station at Wylfa in Anglesey – which represents an investment on the scale of the Olympics – and the new campus for Swansea University.
She said: “Together, these projects will provide thousands of construction jobs over a number of years and I want to ensure Welsh businesses derive the maximum benefit.
“These major projects are likely to be led by the larger companies present today but I know that they will be aware that the construction industry in Wales is dominated by SMEs and that they recognise the importance of sub-contractors in delivering quality projects on time.
“We intend to continue to work with the tier one and two contractors to ensure that their sub-contractors can meet the standards expected, be it in relation to procurement, accreditation, or the requisite level of capability with Building Information Modelling (BIM)
“It is my intention that we all work together for Wales to help create a vibrant Welsh economy, delivering strong and sustainable growth, by providing opportunities for all. “
The Minister added that despite a challenging economic climate, the Welsh Government has delivered additional investment of around £1.3bn in infrastructure projects across Wales since the publication of the Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan in May 2012.
Projects range from the A465 Heads of the Valley Dualling Scheme to the £106m scheme on the former Ely Mill site in Cardiff, led by the Ely Bridge Development Company, a social enterprise created by the Welsh Government and Principality Building Society.