This year alone, the public sector development partner has completed £115 million of education projects alongside multiple phases of affordable housing projects across south west Scotland.

The well-attended participant forum brought together senior public sector representatives and contractors to encourage experts within the industry to share their experience and learning, and address how hub South West’s effective partnership model can best support its partners, and the wider sector, in overcoming market challenges.

Participants discussed the barriers that Scotland’s construction sector is currently facing and validated how hub South West is positioning itself to develop regional economies, create local jobs, and support the country’s drive to net zero. Areas of focus included reduced capital budgets, putting sustainability agendas into action, ensuring that regional projects positively contribute to the local economy, addressing the housing crisis, and addressing the skills gap and resource availability in the built environment industry.

The strategic direction, focus and planned trajectory of the long-term partnership programme was praised by all those who attended, with participants agreeing that hub South West’s regular quality, sustainability and community wealth building forums are leading the way for significant change across the region.

Michael Ross, chief executive at hub South West Scotland, said: “Our recently launched annual report articulates our planned strategic focus and how we are positioning ourselves to serve our participant base. I firmly believe that by all stakeholders operating as one on a programme approach, rather than on a project-by-project basis, with clear linked objectives and supporting existing initiatives of partner institutions, we can make an impact here on the local skills landscape and regional economy from the public sector projects we deliver.”

Dr Willie Mackie, chair of hub South West Scotland, said: “During the past 12 months, the hub South West team has been relentless in their focus in engaging with our participants and regional stakeholders, and this forum was an ideal place for us to reflect on an incredible year. While the economic environment in Scotland is proving to be challenging, it is also creating new opportunities for hub South West and our participants.

“Our business is much more than bricks and mortar. We are committed to adding economic value, enhancing people’s lives within our communities, and using our networks and supply chain to provide opportunities for local businesses to participate in our delivery programme. The hub model remains an ideal strategic fit within public sector infrastructure.”