–       Members of the design and construction sector are welcome to attend this debate on Wednesday 15 June at the University of Huddersfield

–       The debate will be webcast

CAN Britain build a better future in or out of the EU?  The likely impact on the UK construction sector of either BREXIT or a vote to remain in Europe is to be debated at a special University of Huddersfield event featuring leading industry figures.

Titled BREXIT – it’s impact on the Design and Construction sector, the debate takes place on Wednesday 15 June (17:30–19:00) at the University’s 3M Buckley Innovation Centre.

In the chair will be Bernard Ainsworth, who has been in the construction industry for over 40 years, the majority of those spent with firm J. Laing.  He has led the delivery of many major projects, which have included the Millennium Dome at Greenwich, for which he received an OBE.  He has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Huddersfield.

Also among those taking part will be Peter Cartwright, director of the architectural practice Cartwright Pickard, for which he heads the  Leeds and Manchester offices; plus Mike Connolly, a director of multi-national infrastructure firm Turner and Townsend.

Also confirmed for the panel is Christopher Bovis, who is Professor of Business Law at the Business School of the University of Hull.  International business and trade law and European Union law are among his specialties.

One of the organisers of the free event is Patricia Tzortzopoulos, who is is Professor of Integrated Design, and Head of Department of Architecture and 3D Design in the University of Huddersfield’s School of Art, Design and Architecture.

“The idea is to provide people with an opportunity to look at the impact of Brexit in terms of the construction industry.  We will have a group of people pro and a group of people against, so we have a balanced argument.  Just a week before EU referendum, it will spark discussion and provide a forum for people to share their views.”

Opinion polls have been showing that up to 85% of people in the construction industry want the UK to remain in the EU.  Now, the University of Huddersfield event will be a discussion between industry and academic experts on the potential impact of BREXIT on the sector.

There have been fears that BREXIT could it worsen the construction sector’s skills shortage and constrain investment in new housebuilding.  There are also claims that changes, in taxation and restrictions on labour migration from other EU states affect the cost of construction projects.  The event on 15 June will explore whether such fears are justified.

·       A place at the event can be registered online.  The debate is to be webcast live via AdobeConnect.  Attendees will also be able to browse large numbers of posters, architectural models and other presentations that form the School of Art, Design and Architecture’s final-year undergraduate show.