buildeng Success

A little over 10 years ago, the South West Regional Committe started on a journey to create a one-day conference and exhibition for construction professionals. I was at the start of my time as Regional Chair and I expressed interest in developing a conference at a regional level to plug the gap that had been left by the ending of the Taunton Deane Building Control conferences. There was no need to convince the committee; the vision was understood, shared and expanded by what became a strong working group who saw challenges, not barriers.

We started at Yeovilton's Fleet Air Arm Museum. Exhibitors' stands were placed below Concorde and we even managed to get the CABE crest projected onto its side. We are returning to our original venue for our tenth anniversary on 26 April and will be projecting the new crest onto the same aircraft.

The event owes much of its success to many individuals on the committee, who have given up vast amounts of their free time, and to staff at CABE HQ. I would particularly like to thank Trevor Jacklin, Rixon Sayner and Rosmen Morris. It was our group of four who would meet after work to arrange the early events – to specify what we required, arrange our speakers, and identify and advertise to potential exhibitors.

From CABE HQ, thanks to Kate Ilott and Sarah Sivyer (who were a great help in growing our event), Kirri Porter-White and Jordan Sutton (our go-to organisers). And thanks to our valued Regional Secretary Andrew Seller. I'm sure everyone involved would agree that arranging the events is hard work, but that we've had a great time doing so.

We have also had the pleasure of working with three CABE Chief Executives – CABE's current Chief Executive Dr Gavin Dunn was at our first event, manning the Elmhurst stand. We have been very lucky to have had the support of each elected CABE president and each has attended, chaired and spoken at our conference.

There is always a massive sense of achievement at 7pm after the event has finished. Our aim is always to provide relevant content, share and expand knowledge, and provide a platform for our members and delegates to network and learn from each other. 

The event is only successful because we have an excellent following of delegates, and have access to excellent venues, speakers and exhibitors. It's a cyclical process that requires support of the members to succeed. I extend my gratitude to everyone who has been part of this event over the past ten years and who will continue to make it a success in the future.

This year's event is on Tuesday 26 April at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester BA22 8HT.

Register your place today.

Robert Gary FCABE

South West Regional Chairman