Cross-departmental approach sets up industrial strategy for success
National Federation of Builders
Theresa May announced the launch of a cabinet committee on economy and industrial strategy, which includes almost half the senior cabinet and will be chaired by the prime minister herself.
The prime minister said: “We need a proper industrial strategy that focuses on improving productivity, rewarding hard-working people with higher wages and creating more opportunities for young people so that, whatever their background, they go as far as their talents will take them.”
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) believes that the setting up of the committee is a step in the right direction, following the transfer of the skills policy portfolio to the Department for Education and the appointment a construction and infrastructure minister under the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “The adoption of a cross-departmental approach means that an industrial strategy is less likely to be sidelined as happened to those championed by Liberal Democrat Business Secretary Vince Cable during the coalition.
“The construction industry remains a key factor in driving the country’s economic performance for the foreseeable future. We hope the Government keeps this in mind as it developed its strategy over the coming months.”
