Electrotechnical industry body SELECT has recognised one of the UK’s foremost construction experts Professor Rudi Klein with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award recognises that, during more than 25 years in construction, Professor Klein has championed the interests of all specialists in the sector - particularly small and medium-sized firms involved in engineering-related disciplines.

A barrister by profession, a former academic and visiting professor of construction law at the University of Northumbria, the professor is chief executive of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group.

The SEC Group is the industry umbrella body which prides itself on being at the forefront of developments in specialist trades within the construction industry.

Newell McGuiness, SELECT managing director, said: “For more than 30 years, Rudi Klein has worked tirelessly to improve the trading conditions of businesses large and small in our sector.

“Universally acknowledged as an expert in his field, the work he has done is not always visible to Members but it is invaluable. It has meant that the interests of our sector has been represented at all levels of the public and private sector.

“He is widely acknowledged as one of the main driving forces behind the changes that have been introduced over the years to improve payment performance in the UK construction industry.”

The award was presented last week by Colin Forfar, of sponsor Schneider Electric, at a gathering at the Radisson Blu in the centre of Glasgow hosted by journalist Keith Aitken.

It was attended by a wide range of companies, from major electrical enterprises to local firms, illustrating the diversity and strength of Scotland’s electrical sector.

The SEC Group has developed under Professor Klein into an influential lobbying body in both Westminster and the devolved administrations, allowing its core messages to be heard and acted upon.

Lobbying has focused on banishing outmoded procurement methods, wasteful tendering procedures and contractual practices that encourage late payment and damage cash flow. The SEC Group has also promoted the reduction of waste and inefficiencies throughout the sector.

The SEC Group Scotland, whose members collectively contribute more than £2bn to the Scottish economy, represents the interests of electricians, plumbers, heating and ventilation engineers, lift and escalator specialists and structural steel engineers.

David Wright, head of external affairs at SELECT, said: “Rudi Klein continues to bring to his role a keen legal mind, a talent for sharp forensic analysis and a determination to protect and promote the interests of specialist engineering contractors.”