The dinner, organised by UCATT, was held at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday night.
Industry figures in attendance included John Doyle Construction chairman Stef Stefano, Try Construction chairman Hugh Try, O'Rourke Civil Engineering director Bernard Dempsey, Ian Wylie of Mace, Alan Crane of the Movement for Innovation and Millennium Dome project director Bernard Ainsworth.
Leading clients included Norman Haste of BAA and Peter Rogers, director of developer Stanhope.
Discussion centred on how unions, clients and contractors could work together to implement the Egan report's targets on training, health and safety, and efficiency.
UCATT general-secretary George Brumwell said the dinner was held to demonstrate UCATT's commitment to working with contractors and clients to improve standards. He added that he was pleased with the response of those present.
The issue of direct employment in construction was also raised, with UCATT officials expressing fears that a number of contractors were forcing operatives back into bogus self-employment.
Raynsford also discussed the progress of the Egan recommendations, and reiterated the government's pledge to consider reducing the threshold of VAT to combat cowboy builders.
