Setting standards
Investors want openness and transparency
Geoff White
The sectors covered by professionals of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) are central to the government’s pledge to tackle the housing shortage, the infrastructure deficit, low industrial growth and poor productivity. In each of these areas there are two issues that we must confront, with urgency: skills and labour shortages; and investor confidence. If we do not take action on both, then the government’s ambitions will be either delayed or at worst, they will come to naught.
Rics believes that more investment in the promotion of careers is vital, as are education and skills training, all combined with a strong emphasis on high ethical and professional standards. It will take a substantial effort, but the launch of the government’s industrial strategy and the prime minister’s willingness to listen to industry both give cause for hope.