7 March 2013

Costain has joined forces with NEF: The Innovation Institute to help promote innovation and to address the skills shortage in the UK’s construction industry.

NEF: The Innovation Institute combines the New Engineering Foundation, which is a grant awarding charity, with the Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange, which is a professional body and a provider of innovation and economic growth services to business, education and government.

Joining NEF is in line with Costain Cares, the Company’s initiative to build a long-term sustainable business that is committed to the needs of its stakeholders. By shaping training opportunities around the skills shortage and creating job opportunities, Costain hopes to make a major contribution to bridging the skills gap in the UK.

NEF’s work is guided by the Innovation Council whose members are leaders in their respective sectors and who share their knowledge and experience with partner organisations and stakeholders to stimulate innovation and achieve performance excellence.

Tim Embley, Costain’s Group Innovation and Knowledge Manager, has been made a Fellow, while Alan Kay, Costain’s Group Technical & Operations Director, will sit on the NEF’s Innovation Council where he will help to guide policy around innovation in the construction engineering industry.

Members of the Innovation Council are drawn from a broad range of sectors and include some of the biggest names in their respective industries, including Centrica, National Grid, Rolls Royce, DuPont, Microsoft, Cobham, BASF and EDF Energy.

“We are delighted to be associated with NEF. Costain is committed to harnessing and promoting innovation and by getting involved with the Innovation Council we have a great opportunity to work with industry leaders to promote innovation and to help develop future talent,” said Alan.

Commenting, Professor Sa’ad Medhat, NEF’s Chief Executive, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Alan onto the Innovation Council. We see his participation, along with other members from different industries, as being a commitment to create and foster innovation. The Innovation Council provides the platform for leaders to exchange knowledge and experience which will trigger further cross-sector opportunities for innovation, by informing policy and promoting economic growth.”

 

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