AMEC: Use of Lobby Groups

This article is part of the Lobbying Portal, a sunlight project from Spinwatch.

AMEC engages with a wide range of lobby groups to pursue its interests.

Business: General

• Confederation of British Industry (CBI) The CBI claims to provide a forum for UK-based corporations in order for them to enhance their influence on policymakers through joint co-operation. The organisation represents companies from every sector of UK business, and claims to be the premier voice for business in the UK. With the government representing a hungry audience, the CBI identifies areas where action is needed, and constantly presses for de-regulation. Through the CBI, the construction sector promotes and supports the government's current drive for a ‘faster, clearer and fairer’ system of local planning projects. CBI chief Digby Jones argues: "Ministers are absolutely right to reform the local planning system, which is undermining our competitiveness and discouraging expansion. Winning these reforms is a huge step forward. This has improved the view of businesses that the government understands the competitive environment in which they operate." However, the CBI opposes the new development tax, which is part of the "otherwise excellent package of reforms." Digby labels the tax as a "major obstacle to companies that want to help councils create wealth and jobs."

• Business Services Association (BSA) The BSA represents 20 of the largest firms in the contracting industry, employing 500,000 staff and boasting a turnover of £15bn. Its members include big names such as AMEC, Amey, ISS, Jarvis, and WS Atkins. The BSA co-ordinates and presents the views of these major players to the governments in London and Brussels. Its mission is two-fold: to create a favourable economic and legislative framework for business services, and to promote and encourage competitiveness and profitability for its members by providing a key source of business information and by taking a leading role in policy formation for the sector.

Construction

• The Export Group for the Constructional Industries (EGCI) The EGCI, the international arm of the Major Contractors Group, is the trade association for British international contractors, representing UK-based contractors working in international markets. AMEC is participating in the EGCI through several of EGCI's member organisations (such as CECA, see below). The EGCI has lobbied against the imposition of environment and human rights conditions on loans from the UK Export Credit Guarantee Department (ECGD). Website: http://www.egci.co.uk
• Construction Industry Council The Construction Industry Council claims to occupy a unique role within the UK construction industry. Its members represent over 350,000 professionals working for, and in association with, the construction industry and more than 19,000 construction firms. It is the representative forum for the industry’s professional bodies, research organisations and specialist trade associations. Website: http://www.cic.org.uk
• Strategic Forum for Construction The strategic forum for the construction industry, chaired by Sir John Egan, came into operation on 1 July 2001. The Forum replaced the Construction Industry Board last year, which had gradually been wound down. The Forum works in partnership with other industry bodies and the government to improve the efficiency and working practices of the industry. The Forum's membership includes representatives of construction clients, the construction supply side, the government, and the strategic forum of construction National Training Organisations. On 27 February 2002 Sir John Fairclough published a report on 'Rethinking Construction Innovation and Research' (see Links with Government section). The report expresses the view that ‘the Forum is the key focus for inspiring a truly world class industry.’
• The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) The Civil Engineering Contractors Association was established in November 1996, at the request of contractors, to represent the interests of civil engineering contractors registered in the UK. Both AMEC Capital Projects Ltd and AMEC Civil Engineering Ltd are listed as members. Regarding its political initiatives CECA states that 'CECA responds to relevant consultation documents issued by Government and other bodies where these include proposals that may affect is members. CECA compile INFO sheets setting out its views on particular subjects and disseminate these to key decision makers and others whom it wishes to influence. Contact is maintained with all political parties both with individual MPs and researchers and through discussion groups. Lobbying is undertaken on issues as appropriate and where considered necessary.' Website: http://www.ceca.co.uk
• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) The ICE claims to be the pre-eminent engineering institution in the world. It provides authoritative views on issues concerning the built and natural environment. Working at all levels of governance in the UK and internationally, the ICE claims to actively contribute to the development of public policy in areas concerning our quality of life. Website: http://www.ice.org.uk

Societies associated with the ICE include British Dam Building Society (BDS) | British Geo-technical Association (BGA) | British Hydrological Society (BHS) | British Nuclear Energy Society (BNES) | British Tunnelling Society (BTS) | Central Dredging Association (CEDA) | International Navigation Association (PIANC) | Offshore Engineering Society (OES) | Railway Civil Engineers' Association (RCEA) | Transport Planning Society (TPS) | Wind Engineering Society (WES)

• The British Tunnelling Society (BTS) 'The British Tunnelling Society (BTS) is an associated society of the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) and was formed in 1971 to provide a forum for meetings and discussion for the mutual benefit of anyone with an interest in tunnel related matters. Its primary aim is to promote tunnelling excellence in the United Kingdom by the open exchange of information between its members.' AMEC is listed as a member. Website: http://www.britishtunnelling.org/corporate.html
• Design Build Foundation (DBF) The Design Build Foundation was launched in October 1997. With a membership of some 50 prominent construction industry customers, designers, consultants, contractors, specialists and manufacturers (including AMEC plc), it claims to represent the entire supply chain. The Design Build Foundation's primary objective is to fully integrate the normally fragmented processes of design and construction. The promotion of current best practice, education and research forms the focus of the Design Build Foundation. Peter McGee, AMEC Construction Ltd, chairs the registration working group. DBF Homepage: http://www.dbf-web.co.uk/home.htm
• Construction Industry Environmental Forum (CIEF)

The Construction Industry Environmental Forum (CIEF) was established with the expressed aim to improve the environmental performance of all those (including AMEC plc) involved with construction.

Road building

• The British Roads Federation (BRF) The 1998/1999 British Roads Federation (BRF) Annual Report listed AMEC Civil Engineering Ltd as a member. The BRF lobbies for increased road building. Leading members include motoring organisations such as the AA and RAC, oil companies such as Shell and BP, and road builders such as Tarmac and AMEC. Early in 2001, deputy Prime Minister John Prescott gave the green light for 39 new road-building schemes, including 16 bypasses. A further 41 major schemes were being considered under the government’s targeted programme of improvements. Road haulage organisations and other interest groups welcomed the move. A study by the CBI (see above) and the Automobile Association had just shown that 80% of local authority economic development officials thought that better roads would improve economic growth.

Nuclear industry

• British Nuclear Industry Forum (BNIF) AMEC group was listed on 27th of July 2001 as being member of the British Nuclear Industry Forum. BNIF is a trade organisation and representative body for the British civil nuclear industry. Its main objective is to 'influence the climate of public and political opinion in favour of nuclear energy as part of a sustainable balanced energy plan.'[xcii] BNIF website: http://www.bnif.co.uk
• British Nuclear Energy Society (BNES) The BNES claims to be ‘the leading learned body for all persons interested in nuclear energy.’ One of its principal objectives is to provide opportunities for members to publish and present papers, to contribute to the public education activities of the British Nuclear Industry Forum and the nuclear industry. The BNES has links to other nuclear energy societies internationally, as well as within government bodies and educational establishments such as universities. Together with the Institution of Nuclear Engineers, BNES represent the UK within the European Nuclear Society based in Bern, Switzerland. This is a confederation of over 22 Nuclear Societies from all over Europe. The Society’s operations are organised by its members with a small permanent secretariat. Its governing Board is comprised of a number of elected members as well as nominated representatives from each of the Society's twelve constituent bodies. The links to these bodies can be found at: http://www.bnes.org.uk/sponsor.htm The Society also has links to kindred organisations, including AMEC plc. The links to these kindred organisations can also be found at: http://www.bnes.org.uk/sponsor.htm BNES website: http://www.bnes.co.uk

Airports

One of AMEC's specialities is airports. To advance its interests in the aviation industry, AMEC participates in the following lobby groups:

• The Airport Operators Association (AOA) AMEC plc is an associate member of the Airport Operators Association (AOA), the trade association that represents the interests of British airports and claims to be 'the principal body with whom the UK Government and regulatory authorities consult on airport matters'. AOA Committees develop position papers and policy inputs on a range of airport issues and in response to consultations by government and industry regulators at both the national and European levels. AOA does not mince matters about its political activities declaring that 'AOA maintains close and regular liaison with the UK government and the appropriate Departments of State as well as with key industry regulatory bodies. These contacts ensure that the views of British airports are represented during the development of industry regulatory and legislative proposals. At the European level we also maintain contact with the European Commission and work through our sister European airports trade body, ACI Europe.' AOA website: http://www.aoa.org.uk
• Airports Council International (ACI) The Geneva-based Airports Council International (ACI), created in 1991, is the international association of the world's airports. One of its central missions is 'to promote legislation, regulations and international agreements that support member airports' interests'. AMEC Airports is listed as a member. ACI website: http://www.airports.org
• The British Airports Group (B.A.G.) The British Airports Group (B.A.G.) claims to have been 'endorsed by the Minister for Trade as the representative body for the UK companies wishing to be involved in civil aviation and airport developments overseas'. There is a direct link from the B.A.G. website to the Department of Trade and Industry. AMEC Airports is listed as a B.A.G. member. B.A.G. website: http://www.britishairportsgroup.co.uk