ACE will be hosting a drop-in event for Members of the Senedd and their staff on Tuesday 11 October in Ty Hywel, the offices of the Welsh Parliament in Wales. 

Joining ACE will be the Wales branch of CECA. The two organisations have come together to highlight the challenges facing the infrastructure sector in Wales, to discuss the future for infrastructure in the country, and the priorities for the sector as the country faces an unprecedented and challenging period ahead.  

This is an opportunity to discuss the above issues and meet with ACE’s head of policy Guto Davies, as well as recently appointed ACE Wales policy lead, Olivia Smalley. 

Guto Davies said: “We’re delighted to offer Welsh policymakers the opportunity to engage directly with our sector. Infrastructure and the built environment, as well as the broader construction industry, have a key role to play in creating jobs and growth in Wales. Closer collaboration is fundamental to reaching the country’s goals for a sustainable and more productive future.” 

 In a related area, ACE Cymru | Wales has recently responded to a consultation on the Draft Innovation Strategy for Wales.   

In a letter to the Department for Innovation Strategy for Wales, drafted following a recent workshop at the ACE Wales meeting held in September, ACE welcomed steps to increase focus and funding on innovation.  

It also highlighted members’ concerns over pipeline clarity for planning, a lack of cohesion in relation to social value, and the possible creation of a ‘Welsh Value Toolkit’. ACE also called for the possible option of adopting the Construction Playbook in Wales, or the creation of a similar document.    

Commenting on the response, Olivia Smalley said: "Innovation is a key focal point for our members at ACE, aligned with the direction set out in our recently published three-year Blueprint.” 

“We welcome the Welsh government taking positive steps to increase innovation and look forward to working on the next phase of this vital strategy." 

Download our consultation response below, find out more about our work in Wales.