Minister for small business, innovation and trade Richard Lochhead has become Chair of the Construction Leadership Forum (CLF), whilst Dame Carolyn McCall, chief executive of ITV plc, joins the government’s Levelling Up Advisory Council
A range of high profile appointments have been reported as Dame Carolyn McCall, chief executive of ITV plc, joins the government’s Levelling Up Advisory Council.
Meanwhile Richard Lochhead, minister for small business, innovation and trade, has taken the role of chair of the Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) in Scotland.
Richard Lochhead’s appointment is part of a refreshed CLF membership
The new members bring expertise from areas such as retrofit, skills development and modern methods of construction.
There is a renewed focus on technology and data that will help meet net zero targets, as well as building a more productive, diverse and equal sector through greater gender and SME representation. A full membership list can be found on the CLF website.
Jennifer Phin, managing director of A.C Whyte & Co, and new CLF member said:
“I’m delighted to join the CLF and support the group in continuing the transformative work for a better sector in Scotland. Businesses of all types need to work together and share best practice and knowledge rather than working in silos. The CLF is a fantastic opportunity to do this, and I look forward to representing a Scottish contractor championing the skills development needed to be a more resilient sector.”
Minister for small business, innovation and trade, Richard Lochhead said:
“I am really pleased to be chairing the Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) at such a pivotal time. We have a clear focus to transform the sector and deliver on the commitments in the Construction Accord which fully align with our National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
“Construction plays a key role in developing a wellbeing economy and helping to meet our net zero ambitions. I am keen for businesses across the sector to engage with the work of the CLF and I look forward to working together to drive our transformation work.”
ITV executive Dame Carolyn McCall has joined the Levelling Up Advisory Council
Previously chief executive of easyJet, Dame Carolyn McCall has held a variety of commercial and management roles at the Guardian Media Group, including CEO of the Guardian and Observer before becoming Group CEO in 2006.
Andy Haldane, chair of the Levelling Up Advisory Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Carolyn to the Levelling Up Advisory Council. She has the deep business and regional expertise and experience essential to making a success of levelling up and unlocking the potential in places.”
Dame Carolyn also sits as a non-executive director on the Board of Bridgepoint plc and Board of Trustees for the Royal Academy Trust. She has previously served as non-executive director of Lloyds TSB, Tesco plc and New Look Group plc.
She was awarded a Damehood for services to the aviation industry in 2016, having received an OBE in 2008 for services to women in business.
Ensuring that levelling up happens across the country
Dame Carolyn added: “I’m pleased to be appointed to the Levelling Up Advisory Council, given how important this is for the UK’s growth. ITV is a global company but one that is firmly rooted in the UK – nearly half of our UK employees are outside of London in bases across the UK with many in the north of England.
“As a result, we are particularly interested in ensuring that the UK as a whole has a strong economic base, good job opportunities and effective infrastructure. I’m very happy to be able to help contribute to thinking and advice in this area and to help deliver tangible, positive change.”
