A selection of readers’ comments about news and issues in the industry from across the CIOB community and social media.
Obituary: Peter Willmott, visionary leader of Willmott Dixon
Fine words to remember a true gentleman. Peter always had an interest in people and an unassuming manner such that, even as a new trainee in the business, you always felt at ease. He was always genuinely interested in how you were getting on and will be much missed.
Mark Tant
A great man and ambassador who supported a lot of people who were leaving the forces. Before and after I left the Royal Engineers, I got valuable work experience as a construction health and safety manager in the commercial world. I am always grateful to Wilmott Dixon for providing those few months of secondment during my army resettlement back to a full-time career back in civilian life.
Stephen Coppin FCIOB
A great man and a great company committed to their staff, local communities and the wider built environment.
Tony Brook MCIOB
I have very fond memories of ‘Mr Peter’ from my time with the John Willmott Group. He was a gentleman with time for everyone and took a genuine interest in people.
In the mid-1980s, I was moved from Willmott’s Hertfordshire regional business to help revive the main John Willmott Construction business at Shefford in the role of construction’s senior surveyor.
Peter would call into my office whenever he was going to visit a client to ask for the most up-to-date position and the status of the on-site relationships. He cared deeply about his business and the clients equally.
During this period, Peter asked me to assist in Rick’s [Willmott’s son] training and ‘teach Rick to be commercial’. In return, Rick taught me how to play pool. Happy memories. He well deserves this fine obituary for his great legacy. RIP, Mr Peter.
Andrew Board
A wonderful human being who has left a remarkable legacy, he will be remembered fondly by those that had the privilege to meet him.
Karim Khan
Construction must attract new talent or its productivity boom will falter
CM Jan 2024
The fundamental issue is that only 48% of our workforce is directly employed. All sectors in the UK economy that are not ‘employing’ in the traditional sense struggle with skills. Until we create a sector economy of employers, we will never attract the numbers we need.
Helen Gawor
Future Homes Standard consultation
CIOB is compiling a response to the government’s consultation on the Future Homes and Building Standards, which runs until 6 March
This is a consultation which asks we consider a significant change to the way new buildings, including homes, are constructed and heated. It is extremely important that home builders and contractors have their views considered. We should take time to consider the proposal and respond accordingly.
Stephen Fawcett MCIOB
Construction skills academy launched in West Midlands
Exciting movement in the Midlands. I’ve searched around for apprenticeship programmes at a higher level with a reputable company. I am hopeful our company will achieve this with its year-on-year growth and an eye for benefiting from educating aspiring professionals. The construction sector, in light of the latest legislation, would benefit from upskilling its employees who are passionate about work-based training.
Caroline Williams
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