This is why they’re supporting Building’s Agenda 15 ...

“It is often said that if you don’t vote, you get the government you deserve. Failure to engage with politicians and their draft policies well ahead of the next election means we risk ending up with a government that doesn’t understand the construction sector or its vital role in driving economic growth, closing the housing deficit and improving energy efficiency. Agenda 15 is a welcome rallying point for the sector to begin that dialogue.”

Jeremy Blackburn, head of policy, RICS

“We welcome this campaign from Building as it’s essential that our industry works together to put across a coherent message to policy makers in advance of the next election. The FMB is having regular discussions with the main political partiesand we are confident our views are being heard. SME builders need more small plots for housing, better access to finance and a VAT cut to 5% on all housing renovation and repair in order to build on this initial recovery.”

Sarah McMonagle, policy and public affairs manager, Federation of Master Builders

“The next government will decide whether the goal of a sustainable, low-carbon built environment is the foundation of its procurement and policy-making activity, or not. The positive social and economic, let alone environmental, case for doing so is overwhelming, but we’ve yet to see sufficient commitment from any political party to realise the potential that many industry leaders already see. That conversation needs to start now, and in earnest.”

Paul King, chief executive, UKGBC

“The industry needs to speak with one voice on key issues including late payment and removal of retentions. It’s by addressing politicians now and showing that we are united that we have the best chance of affecting meaningful change. This is why NSCC are in full support of Agenda 15.”

Suzannah Nichol, chief executive, NSCC

“The Construction Industry Council has a unique role working with government and industry on leading projects such as BIM. It strenuously agrees that engagement with politicians needs to be on a continuous basis and not merely prior to an election. As the UK construction sector picks up, CIC is working with its members to raise issues that the government should prioritise in order to ensure a reliable, affordable and sustainable built environment that works, not just today,  but for generations to come.”

Andrew Link, chief operating officer, Construction Industry Council

“I would like to see the next government making a real difference to SMEs in construction. This means achieving a standardised pre-qualification process throughout the industry, making payment abuse as unacceptable as drink driving and providing business support that enables SMEs to prosper in the industry. Getting these messages across now is vital, which is why we support Agenda 15.”

Professor Rudi Klein, chief executive, SEC Group

“Many in the industry feel there is an anti-business agenda coming out of Westminster at the moment from all parties. We need to engage with politicians to create a more business-friendly climate especially on tax and regulation. That will mean helping them find solutions which both meet their policy objectives and are practicable for business.”

Stephen Ratcliffe, director, UKCG

“You never know who will be in power and you want ideas that benefit the industry and the economy to be adopted so we can move away from a focus on general election cycles to an approach that favours long-term investment.”

Julia Evans, chief executive, NFB

“Political intelligence and knowing what you want to achieve and working out how that might be done are key - none of which can be done on the eve of an election.”

James Butler, RTPI communications and public affairs officer

“Now is absolutely the right time for the housing and construction industries to work together to influence the political agenda as the parties begin to draw up their manifestos ahead of the general election. We are in the grip of a housing crisis, with millions of people being denied access to a decent home at a price they can afford. It is vital that our politicians understand the urgency of this situation for voters and that they make tackling the crisis a central plank of their manifestos. At CIH, we want to see a focus on housing supply, welfare and affordability, and a recognition that good housing is more than just bricks and mortar.”

 Grainia Long, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing

“As growth gains momentum, the construction sector, which contributes almost £90 million to the UK economy and employs over 2.9 million people, must be at the heart of a sustainable recovery. We welcome Building’s Agenda 15 contribution to this important debate in the run up to the general election. Following years of under-investment in the sector, the CBI has been campaigning to get Britain building to deliver the reliable, affordable, quality infrastructure and housing we need to ensure the UK remains an attractive place to do business and boost our competitiveness. More needs to be done and as the general election approaches - we will engage with the political parties to influence their manifestos and ensure the voice of business is heard on issues critical to attracting investment and securing our long-term prosperity.”

Nicola Walker, CBI’s director for business environment

“A successful house building industry is critical to the country’s future economic success being responsible for hundreds of thousands of jobs directly and in the supply chain. From a social perspective also an improved housing supply across all tenures is now an essential objective to ensure social sustainability and that young people are not disadvantaged compared to their parents. All political parties need to continue to focus on housing as one of the most important issues facing the country for the future and , as they develop policies in advance of the next election, it is vital they are working closely with the industry to make sure policies are workable and deliverable. Ensuring a stable market in which demand side conditions allow people to buy;  and a planning and regulatory system that provides enough land and allows development sites to come forward must be key policy objectives for all party manifestos as we approach an election.”

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman, HBF