“We want to be involved in the conversation” - new forum advocates for local business

Wednesday 27 January 2021

The Construction Industry Forum (CIF) has been re-modelled and rebranded as the Guernsey Construction Forum to allow for better discussion between government and the construction industry.

The Guernsey Construction Forum was officially launched last week, before the corona virus outbreak hit the island, as States Deputies and Civil Servants were presented with the aims and objectives of the group.

During a recent IOD breakfast, Deputy Neil Inder said there will be an increased push to raise our current 57% local procurement rate for States contracts to 67% - a figure that has been welcomed by the construction industry.

“We have the skills here, too often construction work goes to firms off-island,” said Chair of the GCF and CEO of Norman Piette, John Bampkin.

Pictured: Mr Bampkin said the GCF will also allow the industry to assess itself and work to a high standard.

There are a number of objectives the GCF hopes to reach through open communication with the States of Guernsey.

“We want the procurement process to be more streamlined to allow smaller firms to get a look in; we want to be involved in pipeline planning, so we know what’s coming up in the future.”

The GCF has partnered with Guernsey’s Chamber of Commerce, and they’ll act as a communications channel to the States of Guernsey. There are a number of commercial and individual representatives on the board. The hope is that construction firms in Guernsey can work with the States on larger projects from the very beginning, so our finite resource of skilled people can be utilised most effectively.

Pictured: “For every £1 spent in Guernsey, £1.70 is returned to the economy,” said Mr Bampkin.

The GCF also wants to help deliver the Future Guernsey plan, help the States of Guernsey reach various sustainability objectives and raise awareness of the local skillset.

“We have the power to do this on island, we’ve got a lot of responsibility to the community and local businesses,” said Mr Bampkin.

The GCF will be working alongside the Guernsey College of FE to develop skilled workers, with open conversation they hope to highlight gaps in the industry where newly skilled workers can strengthen the construction offering locally.

The GCF includes professionals in contracting, architecture, engineering and surveying, and with the support of the States of Guernsey, Mr Bampkin thinks a 10% increase in local procurement is easily attainable.

“We believe the skills are here.”