Chamber hosts construction summit

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event for property and construction companies to discuss issues impacting them, as latest figures suggest the sector is still struggling to emerge from recession.

Results from the Chamber’s Q3 Quarterly Economic Survey showed that the construction industry was continuing to see difficulties and remains weak, particularly in demand and orders, but there are positive signs of improvement, especially when it comes to employment within the sector.

Clive Memmott, chief executive of the chamber, and Chris Fletcher, his deputy, will host the interactive Action for Business session with property and construction firms on Friday 23 November at The Midland Hotel.

Fletcher said: “We have held similar events in all of the local areas, but this is the first time that we have held a sector-specific forum. We know from speaking to our members in the property and construction sector, and from the results of our last Quarterly Economic Survey, that challenges still remain for many firms across Greater Manchester and the wider region.

“By hosting the event, we hope to gain further evidence for our lobbying activity from businesses about the live problems they’re facing, and have conversations about the course of action that needs to be taken going forward. The Chamber’s Q4 Quarterly Economic Survey is currently open, so we’re keen to find out whether things have moved on, and how order books are looking for 2013.”

The Action for Business event is due to take place on Friday 23 November from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at The Midland Hotel, Manchester. Members and non-members of the Chamber are welcome to attend. Places can be booked at http://www.gmchamber.co.uk/events along with a full list of the Chamber’s forthcoming Action for Business events.