ICE lobbies at party conferences

The ICE is using the current round of political party conferences to stress the need for policies which will accelerate infrastructure investment and underpin growth in the UK economy.

ICE director general Nick Baveystock is hosting fringe events at all three main party political conferences in a bid to keep the debate over infrastructure funding at the top of the political agenda.

“All parties are now committed to infrastructure as an enabler to deliver growth,” said Baveystock, highlighting the fact that the National Infrastructure Plan had helped target efforts.

Private funding

“The next stage is funding. There are not many options so realistically we need private funding,” he added.

“Our job is to put forward what we think is the best advice and guidance.”

Baveystock said the ICE was also keen to use the conference season to ensure that energy does not “fall off the political agenda” and that new energy market reforms deliver a “sensible mix” of different forms of electricity generation.

ICE is teaming up with the Association of Consultancy & Engineering, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association and the Construction Products Association for the fringe events.

All four organisations will also continue to make the case for attracting the next generation to the engineering profession to avoid a damaging skills shortage in the recovery.