Construction Scotland has urged the industry to "come together as never before" in a push for the sector to become more sustainable, productive, innovative and profitable, as it launched a new four-year strategy.
The gameplan for the key industry, which together with its supply chain employs over 170,000 in Scotland, was drawn up after the leadership organisation held talks with partner groups, federations, businesses and government.
It sets out priorities for the sector in areas seen as most important to industry performance and growth.
They are outlined as procurement reform, increasing skills and diversity, improving quality, supporting change in planning and building regulations, improving productivity and profitability and facilitating sector growth.
Ken Gillespie, chair of Construction Scotland industry leadership group, above said that the new strategy focuses "on the big issues and game-changers that are affecting our sector".
He added: "To achieve progress in these six priority areas, the industry must come together collaboratively as never before.
"Construction Scotland will work with partners and customers in the industry across the public and private sectors to bring about positive change in these six areas.
"Each priority area will be addressed by an action plan for the industry, coordinated and facilitated by Construction Scotland, with key milestones and timescales for delivery."
John Swinney, Deputy First Minister, said he backed Construction Scotland’s "refreshed strategy and fully endorse the ambition of being a more productive, innovative, profitable and sustainable industry".
Scotland’s construction industry, which with its supply chain is 10 per cent of the Scottish workforce, also has up to a further 60,000 self-employed workers.
It contributes £21.5 billion to Scotland’s GDP, and makes up 10% of Scotland’s GVA, while for every £1 spent on construction output, a further £2.94 is generated in the economy.
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