The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has welcomed the appointment of Rishi Sunak as chancellor of the exchequer, and looked forward to working with other new ministers after the government’s ministerial reshuffle last week.

Hannah Vickers, chief executive of ACE, said: “Rishi Sunak’s previous work on freeports will help provide some background and context to delivering this government’s ambitions for an infrastructure revolution, but I know from previous conversations he has an appreciation of the complexities in delivering this. He understands that we need investment in innovation, skills and productivity at an industry-wide level to support an ambitious programme of infrastructure investment.”

Vickers also welcomed Alok Sharma as secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy (BEIS). She said: “With COP 26 taking place in Glasgow this year, Mr Sharma will be in a unique position to influence and demonstrate our country’s eco-credentials on an international stage. We look forward to meeting him to discuss how our members can deliver society’s huge net zero ambitions.”

Finally, Vickers also welcomed the move of adding the Northern Powerhouse brief to transport secretary Grant Shapps portfolio. She said: “I would like to congratulate Mr Shapps on adding the Northern Powerhouse to his portfolio. Now positive steps have been taken with regard to HS2, we look forward to seeing further progress on Northern Powerhouse Rail and High Speed North in the coming months.”