Phil Colquhoun, Managing Director at NIRAS Lorien Engineering Solutions (UK) Ltd, takes up the role of Council Member and Chair of the ECITB Midlands Regional Forum, following approval from the ECITB Board.
A keen advocate for investing in staff training and development, NIRAS Lorien Engineering Solutions has been a long-standing participant in the ECITB ACTIVE Cup project management competition and sends a team every year. Phil, himself, took part in the competition more than two decades ago.
“I see the benefit of what the ECITB training levy can do. It locks in the budget for training and ensures training happens across engineering construction businesses,” said Phil.
“I’d like to see the ECITB grow its offer for companies right across the country and across all sectors. We need to show smaller companies, particularly in the food and beverage sector, how they benefit from the ECITB and its services across training, qualifications, engineering training grants, graduate development grants and its other excellent, industry-leading services.
“We know investing in our NIRAS Lorien people helps with staff retention and we see training as a vital component in career development, raising the bar and keeping the business competitive.
“My focus as incoming Chair of the Midlands Regional Forum is to talk with companies within the region, develop a dialogue around our existing ECITB services and identify opportunities to come together, share innovation and best practice. This is an exciting time for leading industry learning and I intend to drive from the front.”
Phil has had a varied career, having worked in manufacturing and within an international engineering design & project management business serving the Food, Life Sciences and Beverage Industries specialising in capital projects.
Andrew Hockey, CEO of the ECITB, said: “The ECITB is industry-led. The link to industry – through our Board, Council and regional fora – is vital to ensure we fully understand the views, skills needs and priorities of our employers.
“Our regional fora bring industry expertise to our work but also help us to forge better connections with client and contractor companies across the regions.
“Phil’s industry experience will be invaluable in identifying and addressing the skills needed of the workforce and driving our work forward in the region.”
About NIRAS Lorien
NIRAS Lorien Engineering Solutions is part of the NIRAS Group, a value-driven, multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy committed to sustainable progress and service delivery with over 3,000 employees.
NIRAS Lorien UK is headquartered in Burton-upon-Trent with over 61 NIRAS offices in 35 countries including Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands and South Africa. NIRAS Lorien also advises, supports and helps companies manage safety compliance and energy strategies connected with manufacturing operations and construction.
For further information, visit www.lorienengineering.com and www.niras.com
