AMEC:Use of lobby groups
Business: General
·
Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
The CBI claims to provide a forum for UK-based corporations in order for
them to enhance their influence on policymakers through joint co-operation.
The organisation represents companies from every sector of UK business, and
claims to be the premier voice for business in the UK. With the government representing
a hungry audience, the CBI identifies areas where action is needed, and constantly
presses for de-regulation. Website: http://www.cbi.org.uk/home.html
Through the CBI, the construction sector promotes and supports the government's current drive for a ‘faster, clearer and fairer’ system of local planning projects. CBI chief Digby Jones argues: "Ministers are absolutely right to reform the local planning system, which is undermining our competitiveness and discouraging expansion. Winning these reforms is a huge step forward. This has improved the view of businesses that the government understands the competitive environment in which they operate." However, the CBI opposes the new development tax, which is part of the "otherwise excellent package of reforms." Digby labels the tax as a "major obstacle to companies that want to help councils create wealth and jobs."[lxxvii]
·
Business Services Association (BSA)
The BSA represents
20 of the largest firms in the contracting industry, employing 500,000 staff
and boasting a turnover of £15bn. Its members include big names such as
AMEC, Amey, ISS, Jarvis, and WS Atkins.[lxxviii] The BSA co-ordinates and presents
the views of these major players to the governments in London and Brussels.
Its mission is two-fold: to create a favourable economic and legislative framework
for business services, and to promote and encourage competitiveness and profitability
for its members by providing a key source of business information and by taking
a leading role in policy formation for the sector.[lxxix]
Construction
·
The Export Group for the Constructional Industries (EGCI)
The EGCI, the international arm of the Major Contractors Group, is the trade
association for British international contractors, representing UK-based contractors
working in international markets. AMEC is participating in the EGCI through
several of EGCI's member organisations (such as CECA, see below). The EGCI has
lobbied against the imposition of environment and human rights conditions on
loans from the UK Export Credit Guarantee Department (ECGD). Website: http://www.egci.co.uk
·
Construction Industry Council
The Construction Industry Council claims to occupy a unique role within
the UK construction industry. Its members represent over 350,000 professionals
working for, and in association with, the construction industry and more than
19,000 construction firms. It is the representative forum for the industry’s
professional bodies, research organisations and specialist trade associations.
Website: http://www.cic.org.uk
·
Strategic Forum for Construction
The strategic
forum for the construction industry, chaired by Sir John Egan, came into operation
on 1 July 2001. The Forum replaced the Construction Industry Board last year,
which had gradually been wound down. The Forum works in partnership with other
industry bodies and the government to improve the efficiency and working practices
of the industry. The Forum's membership includes representatives of construction
clients, the construction supply side, the government, and the strategic forum
of construction National Training Organisations.[lxxx]
On 27 February 2002 Sir John Fairclough published a report on 'Rethinking Construction Innovation and Research' (see Links with Government section). The report expresses the view that ‘the Forum is the key focus for inspiring a truly world class industry.’[lxxxi]
·
The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA)
The Civil Engineering
Contractors Association was established in November 1996, at the request of
contractors, to represent the interests of civil engineering contractors registered
in the UK. Both AMEC Capital Projects Ltd and AMEC Civil Engineering Ltd are
listed as members.[lxxxii]
Regarding its political initiatives CECA states that 'CECA responds to relevant consultation documents issued by Government and other bodies where these include proposals that may affect is members. CECA compile INFO sheets setting out its views on particular subjects and disseminate these to key decision makers and others whom it wishes to influence. Contact is maintained with all political parties both with individual MPs and researchers and through discussion groups. Lobbying is undertaken on issues as appropriate and where considered necessary.'[lxxxiii] Website: http://www.ceca.co.uk
·
Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
The ICE claims to be the pre-eminent engineering institution in the world.
It provides authoritative views on issues concerning the built and natural environment.
Working at all levels of governance in the UK and internationally, the ICE claims
to actively contribute to the development of public policy in areas concerning
our quality of life.[lxxxiv] Website: http://www.ice.org.uk
Societies associat ed
to the ICE include
British Dam Building Society (BDS)
British Geo-technical Association (BGA)
British Hydrological Society (BHS)
British Nuclear Energy Society (BNES)
British Tunnelling Society (BTS)
Central Dredging Association (CEDA)
International Navigation Association (PIANC)
Offshore Engineering Society (OES)
Railway Civil Engineers' Association (RCEA)
Transport Planning Society (TPS)
Wind Engineering Society (WES)
· The British Tunnelling Society (BTS)
'The British Tunnelling Society (BTS) is an associated society of the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) and was formed in 1971 to provide a forum for meetings and discussion for the mutual benefit of anyone with an interest in tunnel related matters. Its primary aim is to promote tunnelling excellence in the United Kingdom by the open exchange of information between its members.'[lxxxv] AMEC is listed as a member. Website: http://www.britishtunnelling.org/corporate.html
·
Design Build Foundation (DBF)
The Design Build Foundation was launched in October 1997. With a membership
of some 50 prominent construction industry customers, designers, consultants,
contractors, specialists and manufacturers (including AMEC plc), it claims to
represent the entire supply chain. The Design Build Foundation's primary objective
is to fully integrate the normally fragmented processes of design and construction.
The promotion of current best practice, education and research forms the focus
of the Design Build Foundation.[lxxxvi] Peter McGee, AMEC Construction Ltd,
chairs the registration working group.[lxxxvii] DBF Homepage: http://www.dbf-web.co.uk/home.htm
·
Construction Industry Environmental Forum (CIEF)
The Construction
Industry Environmental Forum (CIEF) was established with the expressed aim to
improve the environmental performance of all those (including AMEC plc[lxxxviii])
involved with construction.[lxxxix]
Road building
·
The British Roads Federation (BRF)
The 1998/1999
British Roads Federation (BRF) Annual Report listed AMEC Civil Engineering Ltd
as a member. The BRF lobbies for increased road building.[xc] Leading members
include motoring organisations such as the AA and RAC, oil companies such as
Shell and BP, and road builders such as Tarmac and AMEC.
Early in 2001, deputy Prime Minister John Prescott gave the green light for 39 new road-building schemes, including 16 bypasses. A further 41 major schemes were being considered under the government’s targeted programme of improvements. Road haulage organisations and other interest groups welcomed the move. A study by the CBI (see above) and the Automobile Association had just shown that 80% of local authority economic development officials thought that better roads would improve economic growth.[xci]
Nuclear industry
·
British Nuclear Industry Forum (BNIF)
AMEC group was listed on 27th of July 2001 as being member of the British
Nuclear Industry Forum. BNIF is a trade organisation and representative body
for the British civil nuclear industry. Its main objective is to 'influence
the climate of public and political opinion in favour of nuclear energy as part
of a sustainable balanced energy plan.'[xcii] BNIF website: http://www.bnif.co.uk
·
British Nuclear Energy Society (BNES)
The BNES claims
to be ‘the leading learned body for all persons interested in nuclear energy.’
One of its principal objectives is to provide opportunities for members to publish
and present papers, to contribute to the public education activities of the
British Nuclear Industry Forum and the nuclear industry.
The BNES has links to other nuclear energy societies internationally, as well as within government bodies and educational establishments such as universities. Together with the Institution of Nuclear Engineers, BNES represent the UK within the European Nuclear Society based in Bern, Switzerland. This is a confederation of over 22 Nuclear Societies from all over Europe.
The Society’s operations are organised by its members with a small permanent secretariat. Its governing Board is comprised of a number of elected members as well as nominated representatives from each of the Society's twelve constituent bodies. The links to these bodies can be found at: http://www.bnes.org.uk/sponsor.htm
The Society also has links to kindred organisations, including AMEC plc. The links to these kindred organisations can also be found at: http://www.bnes.org.uk/sponsor.htm BNES website: http://www.bnes.co.uk
Airports
One of AMEC's specialities is airports. To advance its interests in the aviation industry, AMEC participates in the following lobby groups:
The
Airport Operators Association (AOA)
AMEC plc is an
associate member of the Airport Operators Association (AOA), the trade association
that represents the interests of British airports and claims to be 'the principal
body with whom the UK Government and regulatory authorities consult on airport
matters'. AOA Committees develop position papers and policy inputs on a range
of airport issues and in response to consultations by government and industry
regulators at both the national and European levels.
AOA does not mince matters about its political activities declaring that 'AOA maintains close and regular liaison with the UK government and the appropriate Departments of State as well as with key industry regulatory bodies. These contacts ensure that the views of British airports are represented during the development of industry regulatory and legislative proposals. At the European level we also maintain contact with the European Commission and work through our sister European airports trade body, ACI Europe.' AOA website: http://www.aoa.org.uk
Airports
Council International (ACI)
The Geneva-based Airports Council International (ACI), created in 1991,
is the international association of the world's airports. One of its central
missions is 'to promote legislation, regulations and international agreements
that support member airports' interests'. AMEC Airports is listed as a member.
ACI website: http://www.airports.org
The
British Airports Group (B.A.G.)
The British Airports Group (B.A.G.) claims to have been 'endorsed by the
Minister for Trade as the representative body for the UK companies wishing to
be involved in civil aviation and airport developments overseas'. There is a
direct link from the B.A.G. website to the Department of Trade and Industry.
AMEC Airports is listed as a B.A.G. member. B.A.G. website: http://www.britishairportsgroup.co.uk
Footnotes
[lxxvii]
CBI CHIEF SAYS NEW DEVELOPMENT TAX UNDERMINES WELCOME PLANNING OVERHAUL, CBI
News Release, 15 March 2002, CBI website: http://www.cbi.org.uk/ndbs/press.nsf/0363c1f07c6ca12a8025671c00381cc7/b8e10fea6717210d80256b7c005dca80?OpenDocument
accessed 18 March 2002
[lxxviii] http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4353504,00.html
[lxxix] 'Welcome to BSA', BSA website: http://www.epolitix.com/data/companies/000000001a447390aa6611cd9bc800aa002fc45a0900a5c656bfb1819f47913a12f95cf75b350000002c7a440000a5c656bfb1819f47913a12f95cf75b350000002d49e80000/default.htm
accessed 19 March 2002
[lxxx] 'Egan to chair strategic forum for construction', Construction Monitor
- publication produced by DTI's Construction Directorate to provide details
of new Government policy and initiatives, and information on research, statistics
and export promotions etc. for the construction industry- DTI website: http://www.dti.gov.uk/construction/news/conmon/may01/con12.htm
accessed 6 March 2002
[lxxxi] 'ICI already taking up the Fairclough challenge', ICI press release
27 February 2002, ICI website: http://www.ice.org.uk/navigation/index_news.asp?page=../news/press.asp
accessed 6 March 2002
[lxxxii]'Members List', CECA website: http://www.ceca.co.uk/members/memberlist.asp?pagenumber=2
accessed 19 March 2002
[lxxxiii] About CECA, CECA website: http://www.ceca.co.uk/explained/index.asp
accessed 19 March 2002
[lxxxiv] 'Introduction', ICE website: http://www.ice.org.uk/navigation/news/index_government.asp
accessed 5 March 2002
[lxxxv] About the BTS, BTS website: http://www.britishtunnelling.org/introduction.html
accessed 5 March 2002
[lxxxvi] 'Introduction', DBF website: http://www.dbf-web.co.uk/aims/default.asp
accessed 6 March 2002
[lxxxvii] 'DBF Members', DBF website: http://www.dbf-web.co.uk/aims/default.asp
accessed 6 March 2002
[lxxxviii] 'CIEF Member List', CIRIA website: http://www.ciria.org.uk/cief_members'_list.htm
accessed 6 March 2002
[lxxxix] 'About CIEF', CIRIA News, Issue 1, 2001, CIRIA website: http://www.ciria.org.uk/pdf/cirianewsmarch2001.pdf
accessed 6 March 2002
[xc] BRF Annual Report 1998/9 (31/01/1999) Page No. 13
[xci] 'Road schemes form backbone of public transport improvements', Invest
in the UK, the Magazine, February 2001, website: http://www.invest-in-the-uk.com/news200102.html
accessed 19 March 2002