Three leading figures in the construction industry have been appointed to the CITB Board.

All three have a wealth of experience in the sector and will help represent the voice of both SMEs and large contractors at the highest level within CITB.

Kevin Mcloughlin MBE is the founder and Managing Director of London-based SME K&M Mcloughlin Decorating.

Robert Williams MBE is the founder and Chairman of Welsh SME WRW Construction Ltd.

Steve Fox, Chief Executive of Bam Nuttall, one of the UK’s largest contractors, completes the trio.

The appointments were made by Skills Minister Anne Milton.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton said:

“I am pleased to appoint new Board Members to the CITB. The construction industry experience these Board Members bring will be of great value to the sector.”

CITB Board Trustees are responsible for the governance, strategic direction and monitoring of business performance.

The Board will play a crucial role in helping to deliver CITB’s Vision 2020, which will make the organisation more accountable, representative and responsive to industry’s needs.

The three join the Board at an important time for CITB. The organisation has recently launched a new three-year business plan and they will oversee this reforming programme of work designed to modernise CITB and relentlessly focus on skills.

The next stage of changes to the governance of CITB will be the formation of new Nations Councils for England, Scotland and Wales, which should become active later this year.

Peter Lauener, Chair of the CITB Board, said: “To deliver Vision 2020 we need a Board that represents employers of all sizes. That’s why I’m delighted we have appointed three hugely talented people from both SME and large contractor backgrounds. All three are vastly experienced, and passionate about supporting skills and training, with each playing a pivotal role in delivering apprenticeships within their own firms.

“Reform is gathering pace at CITB and Kevin, Robert and Steve will have a crucial role in shaping the future of the organisation. I look forward to working with them to ensure we make Vision 2020 a reality and deliver a CITB that truly meets British construction’s needs now and in the future.”

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “The FMB has long championed the need for more representation of smaller employers on the CITB Board. We are therefore delighted that the Government has appointed not one but two new board members with an SME background.

“This is a big step in the right direction for an organisation that is in a critical period of reform. I very much encourage Kevin and Robert to ensure they are a strong voice for small and micro firms at Board level.

“Construction SMEs make up 98 per cent of industry employers and train two-thirds of all apprentices. If the CITB succeeds in better reflecting the needs of small employers, it will be well placed to work with the industry to solve the construction skills crisis.”

Suzannah Nichol MBE, Chief Executive of Build UK, said: “I am delighted to see the range of experience, knowledge and background in those newly appointed to the CITB Board and with its reform plans well underway it is essential that we have strong and committed Board members that understand the construction industry. Whilst supporting the CITB Executive and Chairman in leading an organisation that is fit for the future, their role is also to ensure an effective training, skills and qualifications framework andsupporting employers is at the heart of CITB’s activities.”

Biographies

Steve Fox CBE

Stephen was appointed as Chief Executive of Bam Nuttall in 2010 and has worked for the company since 1989.

Steve is a chartered engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers. He was awarded a CBE in 2015 for services to the construction industry.

Steve is a strong supporter of both trade and technician apprenticeships as routes into the industry and is a member of the Apprentice Ambassador Network. Steve is also a member of the WISE board. This follows Steve’s commitment to championing women to work in science, technology and engineering (STEM).

Kevin Mcloughlin MBE, FCIOB

Kevin Mcloughlin MBE is the founder and Managing Director of London-based SME K&M Mcloughlin Decorating.

Kevin started the business in 1988. The company has been an avid supporter of apprenticeships. The company employs several tutors who help train apprentices in painting and decorating and since 2012 have offered a four week pre-employment programme for all ages.

Kevin is a Route Panel member forConstruction for Institute for Apprenticeships and an Ambassador for National Apprenticeship Service.He also sits on the Greater London Authority Skills For Londoners - Apprenticeship Task and Finish Group.

K&M was the lead employer working with the Painting Industry on the new Painting & Decorating Trailblazer.

Kevin was awarded an MBE in 2014 for his services to skills and apprenticeships, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Builders.

Robert Williams MBE

Robert founded WRW 33 years ago, commencing the business from his home in 1985.

A former college lecturer in Construction Methodology, Robert has previously sat on numerous CITB and government related forums and boards.

WRW Construction has played a pivotal role in numerous community projects throughout Wales and the South West and they continue to support apprenticeships, together with the skill enhancement of construction workers through its National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAfC).

Robert was awarded his MBE in 2013 for services to training and skills in the construction industry.

About CITB

CITB is the Industrial Training Board (ITB) for the construction industry in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). CITB ensures employers can access the high quality training their workforce needs and supports industry to attract new recruits into successful careers in construction.

Using its evidence base on skills requirements, CITB works with employers to develop standards and qualifications for the skills industry needs now, and in the future. CITB is improving its employer funding to invest in the most needed skills and by making it easier for companies of all sizes to claim grants and support.

Find out more on the CITB website.