The Institution of Civil Engineers South West has welcomed its new Chair, Peter Radford.
Mr Radford, who was the previous Vice Chair, has followed Nick Lyness into the role. After working on the strengthening of several major Thames crossings, carrying out new bridge designs and tunnel and railway work, he moved to the South West in the 1990s. Since 1999, he has had overall responsibility for Somerset County Council’s bridges service.
He is currently leading cost/quality/customer comparisons for the government sponsored 'Highway Maintenance Efficiency Programme’ and currently is Chair of the National Highways and Transport (NHT) Survey committee. Peter also chairs the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountancy (CIPFA) National Highways and Transport Working Group.
Trish Johnson, Regional Director of ICE South West said: “I have been working with Peter in his role as Vice-Chair since I took up my post in September 2010. He has been an invaluable source of support and information for myself, and the regional team. I look forward to working with him in his new role.”
The new Chair outlined his priorities for ICE South West: “This is a particularly challenging period for civil engineering. Through such tough economic times, it is vital that we have an infrastructure that is fit for purpose, able to support and facilitate economic growth.
“There are two key challenges ahead for the Institution. We must wave the flag for infrastructure projects and maintenance and convince decision-makers to take a long-term view. Equally we must look to the future of technical professions, and support schools in encouraging students to choose engineering as a career. As an industry we should also do everything we can to create openings for students and graduates to enable them to succeed in our profession.”
Mr Radford is known for his enthusiasm for inspiring young people. He is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) ambassador working with schools and colleges to highlight career opportunities in Civil Engineering and other technical professions.
Speaking about Mr Lyness, Mr Radford said: “ICE South West has a strong sense of community throughout its 6000 plus membership, with a successful conference programme, dynamic city clubs, local networks and activities. This is in no small part due to the efforts of Nick Lyness.
His particular interest in the development of City Clubs, where local groups meet to share knowledge and experience, has been invaluable. This format has proved very successful for the South West and Nick has been instrumental in trying to promote it as a template for other regions. It has been a particular pleasure working with Nick and he will be a hard act to follow.”
Trish Johnson also paid tribute to the outgoing Chair: “Nick Lyness has made a significant contribution during his year as ICE South West Chairman. He has been a key regional spokesperson for ICE South West, representing ICE at regional MP and stakeholder briefings, introducing ICE’s State of the Nation: Infrastructure 2010 report.
“Nick has been fantastic to work with and I wish him well in the future. I know he is keen to continue his involvement with ICE, helping to reinvigorate local special interest groups and contributing to ICE South West’s regional magazine, Fulcrum.”
ENDS
