Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce has a new construction sector lead.

Gary Crittenden, who is project director at ’green van firm’ Stewart Clague Services, has taken over the role from Stephen Smyth, general manager at Island Aggregates Limited.

During his time in the role Mr Smyth was involved in the process to merge the Construction Committee with the island’s Construction Forum, a move which has strengthened the collective voice of the industry.

Mr Smyth, who, prior to the merger in 2018, was chairman of Chamber’s Construction Committee, became Chamber’s first construction sector lead, and Gary Crittenden is the immediate past chairman of the Construction Forum.

Stephen Smyth congratulated Gary on his appointment and said: ’We’ve worked hard in recent years to provide an effective industry voice on areas such as planning, procurement, education, skills, and the potential impact of Brexit.

’Chamber also provides the opportunity to discuss wider issues faced by all island businesses with those representing other sectors.

’Further streamlining and strengthening within the construction industry is in the offing, but the link to Chamber will remain a vital one.

’Having dealt with Gary on the various industry bodies and in our respective businesses for a number of years, I know he will be an excellent sector lead.’

Gary Crittenden said he was delighted to have been appointed and added: ’I would like to thank Stephen for his hard work and dedication while sector lead, and in particular his role in bringing the Chamber of Commerce and Construction Forum together.

’I am looking forward to working with the other sector leads and being part of a team that is passionate about strengthening the local economy, as well as focusing on developing one voice for construction with the Isle of Man Construction Federation.’

The Construction Forum meets at 8am on the last Friday of each month at the Construction Federation, Village Walk, Onchan.

The next meeting is on November 29 and anyone working in construction, or with an interest in the industry, is welcome to attend.