Great and good: Building's terrace reception

Construction is a “great industry” which the new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is determined to take forward through the downturn. So said our new construction minister Ian Lucas to the leading industry figures and MPs gathered for the annual terrace reception that Building organises with the All-Party Parliamentary Study Group for Construction.

In his first public speech as minister Lucas acknowledged the industry’s frustration at being represented by the ninth person in eight years. “I know you’ve had one or two people in this post,” he said, to murmurings from the crowd, “but I look forward to working with you for at least a year, and hopefully longer.”

Following his speech, the minister said he was excited to be in the post and was looking forward to “going out and meeting everyone”.

“It’s about having a construction sector we can be proud of,” Lucas said, “and showing that Britain can do better than everyone else.”

About 200 politicians and industry chiefs circulated at the gathering, which turned into a historic night as MPs were forced to duck in and out of the reception to vote on a new speaker.

Also speaking at the event was former construction minister Nick Raynsford, who waded into the Chelsea Barracks debate on the side of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, much to the enjoyment of those present. “I don’t think it was constitutional for the interests of architecture in this country for Prince Charles to become involved,” he said to a round of applause.

Meanwhile, Bill Olner MP, chairman of the all-party parliamentary study group, made his final speech to the industry as he prepared to stand down from his position. He heaped praise on construction’s ability to “make things better” and urged it not to lose hope in the downturn.

“Things will eventually turn round, and we will continue to build bigger and better cities. Keep the faith.”