The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has announced the appointment of Steve Hindley CBE as the new Chairman of its Construction Council, with immediate effect.

A civil engineer with more than thirty years' experience in the construction industry, Mr Hindley is Chairman of Midas Group, one of the fastest-growing independent property services providers in the UK.

Mr Hindley succeeds John McDonough CBE of Carillion, who is stepping down after three successful years as Chairman of the CBI Construction Council.

CBI Deputy Director-General, Dr Neil Bentley, said: "I am delighted to welcome Steve Hindley as our new CBI Construction Council Chairman at this critical time.


"As a leader of one of construction’s fastest-growing medium-sized firms, Steve Hindley brings a fresh perspective on what the sector needs to ensure a sustainable recovery.

"Construction firms and their supply chain account for around 13 per cent of GDP, so creating construction jobs and growth is vital to the health of the wider economy. We need the Government to publish a forward pipeline of work to give firms the confidence to invest in skills and processes which will improve efficiency and reduce infrastructure delivery costs."

The CBI's Construction Council was formed in 2008 to represent construction, contracting, civil engineering, materials suppliers, house building, design, and support services.

Mr Hindley, said: "I want to pay great tribute to our founding chairman and I look forward to working with all members of the council to continue addressing the very considerable issues that face our industry at this time, like the housing shortage. It is essential that we spread the message about the importance of the industry to the British economy nationally and locally to return to sustainable growth."

(CD/GK)