Stephen Marcos Jones, CEO of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) which represents the businesses large and small which design, deliver and manage our national infrastructure and built environment, reacts to the appointment of Liz Truss as Prime Minister:

“I’d like to welcome the new Prime Minister into her role and congratulate her on a successful campaign.

“The process has – unfortunately – delayed much needed action from Government. We know that inflation, rising energy prices and wages are already severely impacting the short to medium term outlook for our sector, and we look forward to seeing how businesses will be supported in these areas through the challenging months ahead.

“Investment in our national infrastructure, and the construction industry more widely, is crucial to weathering any potential economic storm. It will ensure we maintain a long-term view on the economy and invest in a sector which can provide jobs and growth. For this reason I was pleased to see the Prime Minister back investment in Northern Powerhouse Rail and for roads in her campaign.

“Our members play a vital role in delivering the long-term solutions that society requires on energy, transport, connectivity, Net Zero and regional development. It is for this reason we look forward to our constructive relationship with government continuing under her leadership.”