He succeeds Alan Wilson following his retirement as managing director of SELECT and his decision to step down as CICV chair.

Paul’s appointment was confirmed at CICV’s meeting on 29 July. Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF), was re-elected as deputy chair.

Established in 2020, CICV brings together 24 leading construction trade and professional bodies to provide a collective voice for Scotland’s construction sector. It gathers intelligence, shares expertise and engages with the Scottish Government and other key stakeholders on the issues affecting the industry.

On his appointment, Paul Mitchell said: “It is a great honour to be elected as chair of CICV. The group has shown what can be achieved when the construction sector works together.

“I look forward to working closely with Fiona and all of the representatives around the CICV table to build on that success, strengthen our engagement with government and collectively address the challenges facing the industry, delivering tangible benefits for our sector.

“I would also like to thank Alan for his leadership over the past six years. He has made an enormous contribution to establishing CICV as a respected and influential voice for Scotland’s construction industry, providing a strong foundation for the future.”

Outgoing chair Alan Wilson helped establish CICV during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it was launched as the Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum to coordinate the sector’s response to the unprecedented challenges facing businesses and workers.

The group evolved into the Construction Industry Collective Voice, reflecting its broader role in representing the interests of Scotland’s construction sector.

At the recent CICV meeting, new task and finish groups were established to influence policy and to push for positive action on critical issues for the industry, including late payments and retentions legislation, mental health and apprenticeship funding and delivery.

A presentation was also made to Alan to mark his dedication and commitment to the group.

Alan Wilson said: “It has been a great privilege to chair CICV since its formation and I was humbled by the reception from colleagues. I leave knowing the organisation will be in excellent hands with Paul and Fiona going forward and I am sure that the CICV will go from strength to strength.

“It’s always been clear to me that working together brings so much benefit to the industry. With many challenges on the horizon, it is more important than ever to maintain that co-operation.”

Fiona Hodgson, deputy chair of CICV, said: “On behalf of everyone involved with CICV, I would like to thank Alan for his outstanding leadership and commitment over the past six years.

“His vision in bringing everyone together during one of the most challenging periods in recent history created a forum that continues to deliver real value for Scotland’s construction sector.

“Alan has helped establish CICV as a trusted and respected voice with government and stakeholders. I look forward to working with Paul and colleagues from across our member bodies as we build on that legacy.”