In what has been a busy time in UK politics, Cavendish Advocacy was delighted to host a webinar in conversation and Q&A with Lord Gavin Barwell, former MP, Housing Minister, and Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Theresa May to discuss the local elections, the Queen’s Speech and what he expects is next for the Government.

Chaired by Managing Director, Gareth Morgan, Lord Barwell gave his perspective on the local elections and Queen’s Speech, reflected on his time at the highest echelons of government, and where he thinks it should now be channelling its energy following a difficult few months.

Published last year, Gavin wrote his gripping memoir titled ‘Chief of Staff‘ providing a fascinating insight into one of the most crucial periods of recent British political history, from Theresa May’s leadership to Brexit negotiations.

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On 2nd February 2022, DLUHC released the Government’s flagship Levelling Up White Paper.

In the Government’s own words, this sets out “a complete ‘system change’ of how government works that will be implemented to level up the UK” and is “the largest devolution of power from Whitehall to local leaders across England in modern times”.

This system change is complemented by 12 missions that bring with them substantial investment to alter the UK’s status as one of the most regionally unequal countries in Europe.

Our expert panel discussed the potential implications of the white paper and invited questions from attendees.  

Our panel speakers included:

• Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands
• Lord Bob Kerslake, Former Head of the Civil Service
• Jan Bessell, Board Chair of the National Infrastructure Planning Association
• Steve Norris (Chair), Advisor to BECG

The webinar was chaired by Steve Norris, a prominent Conservative and businessman who has held several ministerial roles, as well as having stood as the Conservative candidate for the Mayor of London in 2000 and 2004. Steve is also an advisor to BECG. 

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Government policy has a major influence on the infrastructure sector. But does the construction and infrastructure influence government effectively and is it getting its message across on the issues that matter? Crucially, is the government and opinion formers listening to what the industry has to say?

By providing insights into the political process – how policy develops, who matters, when they matter, the windows for influence and the messages that will resonate – this webinar will explore how the industry can be more effective at influencing government at all levels. By watching this webinar featuring our Board Director, Alex Challoner, you will gain insights into how construction industry organisations can ensure their story matters to political audiences and that the policy environment supports their aims, enabling them to seize business opportunities and eliminating threats.

It has never been more important for infrastructure to communicate clearly and persuasively the benefits it brings to society and booking a place at this webinar will give you the insights that are needed to influence opinion formers at national, local and regional level.

Infrastructure Intelligence have partnered with the BECG Group for a series of free virtual roundtables, webinars, and interviews which will bring the infrastructure community together to share and learn from their experiences and to focus on what a successful future should look like for the sector. 

Speakers included:

• Rebecca Groundwater, Head of External Affairs, Energy Industries Council
• Max Suharman, Public Affairs & PR Director, Railway Industry Association
• Lawrie Quinn, Programme and Project Director, Atkins
• Guto Davies, Head of Policy, Association for Consultancy and Engineering
• Alex Challoner, Managing Director, Cavendish Advocacy

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