Podcast 5: Building’s Charter 284 campaign explained: Stephen Ratcliffe and Professor John Bale on the economic case for investing in construction

Building’s Charter 284 campaign, launched last week, aims to persuade the political parties ahead of the election of the economic benefits of investing in construction work.

In this month’s podcast, Building’s deputy web editor Chloe McCulloch talks to three people about the campaign (the name of which stems from the fact that the LEK report showed that every £1 spent on construction leads to £2.84 of GDP).

Our speakers are:

• Deputy editor Sarah Richardson, who explains the thinking behind the campaign, its five main aims and how readers can demonstrate their support
• John Bale, Professor Emeritus of Leeds Metropolitan University, talks about ways in which construction can improve value for money for the next government, including less ‘iconic’ design and opting for refurbishment where possible
• Stephen Ratcliffe, director of the UK Contractors’ Group, on why he is so convinced by the economic argument in the LEK report for investment in construction.