Chris Blythe, the Chief Executive of CIOB (The Chartered Institute of Building), came to the North East early this year on a day trip from HQ in Ascot.

The purpose of the visit was to deliver a lecture/seminar to a delegation of Chinese exchange students at Northumbria University.

During a two hour interactive discussion, through a translator he shared a powerful and hard hitting message around globalisation, international markets and how the Professional institutions and construction industry is and will remain at the heart of future demands to influence and contribute towards effective strategies in global change; and provide the infrastructure with which society will survive.

Its no coincidence that in 2009 the President of CIOB will be Professor Li Shirong, which demonstrates the vision and commitment of CIOB to embrace change, recognise equalities and diversity and ensure they are at the centre of the single largest growing and influential market sector of construction in the world.

Prior to the lecture, Chris formed discussion around accreditation and educational models with Steve Hodsgon (Dean of the School of the Built Environment), who emphasised that he would welcome further visits and look to create stronger links with CIOB. Chris also met Dave Greenwood, Professor of Construction Management Associate Dean Research & Consultancy, Eric Johansen, Director of Construction Group; and was hosted and accompanied throughout the visit by Dr Paul Chan and Richard Humphrey CIOB NE Chairman.

 

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