Merger of Construction and Engineering, and Energy Groups

Dear Member,

At the outset of the CILA Specialist Interest Group initiative it was decided that there would be separate Energy and Construction and Engineering groups. I currently Chair the latter, whilst the development of the Energy group was in the care of Graham Burgess.

In the light of the obvious synergy between the two groups, and the fact that many of you had registered an interest in both, Graham and I quickly recognised the need to liaise closely. Joint representation on initial steering committees was to be developed to ensure coordination in areas of mutual interest and, ultimately, joint events for not only the combined membership, but the niche markets in which we operate (Brokers, Underwriters and Company claims personnel).

Graham has worked extremely hard in recent times on CILA initiatives, particularly to ensure that CILA is at the forefront when the industry works with other agencies to consider the practicalities, and protocols required for a truly catastrophic event; be it either man made or natural. Such assignments place huge demands upon Graham's limited time, and to ensure that his talents are channelled correctly, the President has agreed to the merger of the two groups. The combined group will continue to be developed and I will represent us all on Council. A more democratic approach will however be adopted in the new year.

The Construction and Engineering group has initially concentrated upon output, and Energy members will be pleased to know that of the technical papers we are already working on we hope to publish articles on both power generation and ALOP. The initial steering group hope to meet again in October, and shortly thereafter I will write to you again to outline the progress made in relation to liaison with the relevant AIRMIC SIGs, specialist lawyers and underwriting groups.

In the interim I will also liaise with Graham to ensure that prior requests for topics of interest are addressed. If any of the original Energy group are able to volunteer to assist with the development of our combined group I would welcome either direct contact or an approach through CILA.

Whilst I must thank Graham for his efforts to date, I hope that you will all agree that the combined group should enable us to consider a wide variety of topics and initiatives, and to become a technical focal point for the whole market.

Mike Roberts
Construction , Energy & Engineering
Specialist Interest Group