Ten people have applied for the role of chief construction adviser so far

At a progress report on the government’s Strategy for Sustainable Construction on Tuesday, the business and innovation department said it expected more entries before the 23 September closing date.

The news comes as Keith Clarke, Atkins’ chief executive, urged more people to put their names forward.

In a letter to the industry, Clarke, who is on the recruitment panel, said the post would give the sector a “key opportunity” to improve interaction with clients. “We will get what we deserve if we don’t encourage individuals to apply,” he added.

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