Established by West Lothian Council alongside local construction partners and West Lothian College, the Construction Forum will be key in shaping the future opportunities the industry has to offer in both the professional and trade disciplines, and also help to develop a closer collaboration between West Lothian based construction related organisations. 

The Forum will aim to:

• improve collaboration across the sector
• encourage school leavers to join the industry
• improve training and skills
• increase supply chain opportunities and;
• support or sustainability & environmental goals

Archie Meikle, managing director of Ashwood Scotland, recently agreed to initiate and chair a West Lothian Construction Forum.

The Construction Forum will focus on four main areas: education, employability and training, construction and local economy and sustainability and environmental.

Archie Meikle said: “Having worked in construction for nearly 45 years and being deeply passionate about both the industry and the local West Lothian economy, I therefore feel it an honour and privilege to have been asked to take on this role.”

Executive councillor for development and transport, Cathy Muldoon, said: “The construction sector is incredibly important to the West Lothian economy and this forum will aim to bring the industry closer together in an effort to improve opportunities for growth and create jobs.

“I think it is really important that we ensure that young people have a clear route into the construction industry and that is one of the key aims of the forum. I’m delighted that we have Archie at the helm and he will bring a huge amount of experience and expertise.”