Industry leaders have welcomed the twin appointments of Mace group chairperson and CEO Mark Reynolds as new co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council, together with Atkins UK and Europe CEO Richard Robinson for the newly created deputy co-chair role.
One of UK construction’s most recognised executives, Reynolds succeeds Andy Mitchell as co-chair and has already played a key leadership role in the CLC in recent years, including jointly chairing its people & skills work stream and co-ordinating its response to the Covid pandemic.
As a member of CLC’s steering co-ordination group, he shaped the CLC’s 2022 strategy with its focus on Construct Zero, Building Safety, meeting the skills challenge, and implementing the Construction Playbook. He also chairs the government’s Construction Skills Delivery Group.
Now, leading the CLC in partnership with construction minister Lee Rowley, Reynolds will be building on the four CLC priorities as he officially takes on the role today. (23 June 2022).
Reynolds said: “I am delighted to take on this exciting co-chair role following the great work by Andy over the last four years. During that time, I have seen first-hand how the CLC can make a real difference for companies across the whole of the industry.”
“We have faced, and continue to face, challenges that no one organisation can tackle on its own, such as the cost of inflation and impact of rising energy prices; global supply chain pressures and ensuring our collective progression to net zero.
“I am also very pleased to be working with Richard Robinson on this agenda, who will strengthen our collective leadership and capacity in his role as deputy co-chair.
“The CLC, working in partnership with government, provides crucial leadership to the sector. We do this most effectively where we speak to, and for, all parts of industry. Whilst I will continue the CLC’s focus on its four priorities, I would like to engage and listen to the wider industry over the summer to ensure we continue to deliver on the issues that matter most to us as a sector. I want to take this opportunity to encourage organisations across construction to get involved with the CLC’s work.”
Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) CEO Stephen Marcos Jones welcomed the two appointments, and said: “On behalf of our members I would like to welcome the appointment of Mark Reynolds as co-chair. We’re looking forward to continuing the strong relationship between ACE and the CLC under Mark’s leadership and working collaboratively with other industry stakeholders to ensure, wherever possible, that we speak in one voice to government on cross-industry issues.
“I would also like to welcome the appointment of Richard Robinson, CEO of Atkins UK and Europe and ACE Board Member. In the new role as deputy co-chair he will champion the consultant in the industry discussions, crucial if we are to make the most of our role in delivering ambitions around net zero and levelling up.
“ACE will continue to be a supporter of the CLC, working closely with Mark, Richard and other stakeholders, to ensure the views of all our members – large and small – are heard clearly by government.”
Construction minister Lee Rowley, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Mark as the new chair of the CLC. He’s been a key part of the council in recent years, helping coordinate the industry’s Covid response, as well as supporting job creation in his role with the Construction Skills Delivery Group.
“Mark will play a vital role in the months and years ahead as we work to decarbonise the industry through Construct Zero, support it through the Building Safety Act’s introduction, and deliver the first sector-wide skills plan for construction.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Andy Mitchell for his outstanding leadership to date, which puts the CLC in a strong position to keep delivering for the sector.”
Outgoing chair Andy Mitchell said: “The CLC is in a great position to lead industry transformation, working together to overcome any issues that may affect companies nationwide. I am delighted that Mark will be driving forward the council’s agenda, and look forward to seeing the outputs of its work in the future.”