Construction industry leader Peter Hansford has been appointed as the Government’s new Chief Construction Adviser, it has been announced.

Mr Hansford will work with government and industry to ensure Britain's construction sector is equipped with the knowledge, skills and best practice it needs in its transition to a low carbon economy.

A former President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Mr Hansford will succeed Paul Morrell OBE when he stands down from the role at the end of November 2012 after two successful terms in post.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said: "I welcome Peter to the role of Chief Construction Adviser. He is well-known and respected in the construction sector, and his wealth of experience will prove an invaluable asset as we move forward with our construction agenda.


"I'd like to thank Paul Morrell for his dedicated service to the role over the last three years. He has been instrumental in leading the implementation of the Government's five year construction strategy.

"He also oversaw many notable milestones including the publication of the Low Carbon Construction Innovation and Growth Team Report, the introduction of cost benchmarking and the establishment of procurement models for industry. I wish him the best in his future endeavours."

Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said: "This is an incredibly important role; over the next four years there are over 600 Government funded construction projects and programmes which will see around £40 billion of investment. I'm pleased to welcome Peter to the post. His experience makes him an ideal candidate to lead on this agenda.

"I'm proud of the progress that we have made to date, and I'd like to thank Paul Morrell for his leadership and achievements throughout his successful time in this post."

(CD)