SEC Group in alliance

The Specialist Engineering Contractors' (SEC) Group has instigated the formation of an alliance with like-minded bodies in the engineering sector. The Group is committed to the concept of supply chain integration, as highlighted in Accelerating change, the imminent report from the Strategic Forum for Construction.

Alongside the SEC Group in the new alliance are the Association of Consulting Engineers; the Building Services Research and Information Association; the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations. As well as the ECA, HVCA and Select, the SEC Group represents the interests of members of the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors, British Constructional Steelwork Association and the Lift and Escalator Industry Association.

SEC Group president John Harrower unveiled the alliance at a Westminster reception over the summer. "SEC Group's agenda is long and varied and we need all the help we can get," he explained.

As well as the campaign to abolish retentions (see link below) the SEC Group sees the alliance working on payment mechanisms, qualification schemes, education and training, and research and development.

"We must develop new payment mechanisms to underpin collaborative working and foster a climate of greater trust among all parties to the construction process," said Harrower. "We must promote the development of practical qualification schemes, both for companies and their employees. We must develop and support education and training aimed at helping firms to operate as part of integrated teams, and we must develop a clear and focused research and development policy for the sector."

The alliance will also seek to eliminate waste within the sector, for example duplication of drawings, through integrated teams and collaborative working.

Harrower confirmed that he hoped to welcome other bodies, particularly client organisations, into the alliance in the future.