Call for construction sector to embrace ICT
03/08/2007(16:50)
A new report has called for construction companies in the south-west of England to abandon any luddite tendencies and embrace new technologies, claiming it could boost the region's economy by £3 billion.
According to the findings of a study commissioned by the South West of England Regional Development Agency (Swerda), if local businesses made greater use of information and communication technology (ICT) opportunities, the economy would grow from £86.3 billion to £89.3 billion within seven years.
And the construction industry has been singled out as a sector that could particularly benefit from a changeover.
Fabian King, Swerda's head of regional ICT, has outlined the message for local businesses.
"The onus is now on companies to encourage a new type of culture and make this technology work for them, such as enabling more customers to order and pay online," he said.
Earlier this week, construction sector employees were put on alert by news that Swerda has pledged £8.4 million towards a major regeneration project in Brixham that includes the development of a new walkway, office space and retail outlets.
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